Orange County ADA Attorney

Being discriminated against at work for a disability can be more than exhausting and demeaning. Unfortunately, countless disabled employees across California are mistreated in their workplaces. When this happens, it’s crucial that you hold harmful employers accountable and take legal action. An Orange County ADA attorney from California Employment Counsel, APC, can explain your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and fight for justice.

ADA laws protect the rights of certain individuals and employees with disabilities. These laws mandate equal work opportunities and access to public services and spaces for people with disabilities. ADA laws protect people with physical disabilities as well as those with mental and sensory impairments.

With the help of ADA laws, more people in California and across the country are able to seek work and live their lives without fear of discrimination. These laws work to prevent discrimination against people based on health issues, and they guarantee all people with disabilities reasonable accommodation to ensure that they can live their daily lives independently.

ADA laws impact California workers in a variety of ways, such as:

• An employer cannot discriminate against a California employee in terms of hiring, promotions, work assignments, and other working conditions just because they’re disabled.
• An employer has to provide a disabled employee with reasonable accommodations, meaning they provide adjustments to the employee’s work environment or to the job responsibilities that they have to perform.

These regulations cover public locations, including eateries, shops, educational institutions, and transit systems. These laws require these places to be accessible to everyone and usable by people with disabilities. The purpose of all these laws is to ensure that people are not only not discriminated against, but they are also included in every aspect of everyday life.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for the fiscal year of 2023, 81,055 new charges of discrimination were received, which is an increase of more than 10% from 2022. Approximately 34.3% of all received charges were for alleged disability discrimination, which was one of the most common discrimination bases that year.

Workplace discrimination against people with disabilities remains prevalent across the country and only emphasizes the necessity for strong legal protections and advocacy efforts. An Orange County ADA lawyer from our firm can advocate for your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

ADA violations in California can come in a variety of forms. Typically, these violations center around treating an employee poorly, either through intentional acts or refusal to accommodate. Some common ADA violations our firm sees in Orange County include:

• Employment Discrimination. Disability status is a protected class under both federal and state law, meaning that an employer cannot discriminate against an employee or potential employee solely based on their disability. Disability discrimination can include refusing to hire a qualified employee, denying promotions, or not allowing them to have rights that other employees have, just because of their disability.
• Failing to Provide Reasonable Accommodations. All Orange County employers are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for their disabled employees, as long as doing so doesn’t present additional financial hardships or issues to the company.
• Harassment. Hostile behaviors or retaliatory actions against disabled California employees who exercise their rights, such as reporting unfair behaviors, are illegal.
• Barriers to Public Access. All California employers should ensure that every employee and customer can easily access and navigate their building. Accommodations can include elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Recognizing these barriers is the first step in knowing whether or not your rights have been violated. When you hire an ADA attorney from California Employment Counsel, APC, we can assess your case and help you identify whether discrimination occurred.

If your rights have been violated as a disabled employee in Orange County, you may be able to file a legal claim under the ADA. However, the steps you take following the incident can greatly influence the outcome of your case. You should follow these steps as closely as possible:

• Document All Incidents in Detail. Document exactly what happened and include any communication that you had to try to remedy the situation, such as requests for accommodations. If your request was denied, keep all denials.
• Hire an Experienced ADA Attorney. After you believe your rights have been violated, you should contact an experienced Orange County ADA lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you build a strong complaint.
• File a Complaint With the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) or CRD (California Civil Rights Department). In many cases, you must file a formal complaint with the appropriate agency before you can file a legal claim. Your lawyer can help you identify which agency is right for your claim.
• Investigation. The agency you submitted your claim to will review your case and investigate to see if violations took place.
• Settlement Options. Many discrimination cases can be resolved without going to court, either through mediation or settlement. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court to seek damages and other needs, such as changes in company policy.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, we advocate for the rights of the disabled. Our seasoned attorneys have successfully litigated and negotiated numerous ADA cases throughout California, particularly in employment discrimination. Many ADA claims in Orange County are filed or heard at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Santa Ana, where our team has worked countless times and knows how to navigate proceedings.

We understand the intricacies of federal and California disability laws, and we can manage all aspects of your claim, from negotiations to litigation. We can fight for your right to reasonable accommodations, protective measures, and financial recovery, so you can focus on living your life.

If you suffered unfair treatment at your Orange County workplace due to a disability, you may be able to seek compensation through a legal claim. California Employment Counsel, APC, can help you fight for your rights and hold your employer accountable. We have experience with ADA cases and can get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.