Were You Fired Because of Your Disability?
Getting fired can be tough on anyone, but being fired because of your disability is not just sad — it’s against the law.
Even though it is illegal to discriminate against disabled employees, many employers still treat their disabled workers differently.
The millions of American workers who live with disabilities should not also have to live with the fear of unequal treatment or being terminated due to their disabled status.
Employers are also required to make accommodations to help disabled employees perform their jobs, provided that those accommodations are reasonable. Your employer cannot fire you for being disabled, and they cannot fire you for asking for a reasonable accommodation.
If you were fired because of your disability, you may be entitled to relief, including compensation. A New Jersey employment attorney can help you get compensation .
What Disabilities Are Covered?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a “disability” is any physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. These “life activities” may include seeing, walking, communicating and bodily function. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether a specific ailment counts as a disability under discrimination law.
A history of disability can also qualify an individual as “disabled” under anti-discrimination law. If you had cancer that is now in remission, for example, you may still be a victim of discrimination.
Lastly, you can experience disability discrimination if you are believed to have such an impairment, even if you do not actually have the disability in question. If you were fired because your employer believed you to be disabled, for example, you might have a discrimination claim, even if their belief was inaccurate.
Your Options If You Were Fired Because of Your Disability
Disabled Americans have the right to equal opportunity in the workplace. Too often, however, employers fail to provide workers with disabilities with the equal treatment they deserve.
Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help you figure out what next steps are right for you, including filing a formal complaint or seeking a financial settlement with your former employer.
Everyone wants to do their best at work. A disability rights lawyer can help you obtain the level playing field you deserve.
Contact O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble Today
Our experienced team understands the importance of equality in the workplace. We believe that everyone, regardless of disability status, is entitled to equal opportunity and a respectful work environment. We can help you figure out how to handle your situation, possibly including formal complaints or lawsuits.
We may also be able to help you obtain compensation from your employer for the mistreatment you suffered.
Contact the attorneys of O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble today to discuss disability discrimination and potential negotiations. Contact us online or call at (908) 928-9200 or 1-800-586-5817.