Los Angeles Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Los Angeles Disability Discrimination Attorney

For employees with a disability, navigating daily life can be more challenging than for an able-bodied and neurotypical person. Discrimination in the workplace because of a disability can be frightening to deal with. Under federal and California law, every employee has a right to work free from discrimination. A Los Angeles disability discrimination lawyer can help workers understand whether their rights were violated and what steps to take to file a claim.

Los Angeles employs workers across major industries, including entertainment, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both apply to workplaces throughout Los Angeles. Clark Employment Law, APC, offers consultations to any employees who suspect they’re experiencing discrimination at their workplace.

Legal Protections for Disabled Workers in California

In all of California, 4,527,224 people live with disabilities. As of 2025, 41.4% of people with disabilities in California are employed, compared to 77.8% of employees without a disability.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces state laws to protect workers from discrimination at work. FEHA is a California law that protects people from harassment or unfair treatment at work. It covers many reasons, including being age 40 or older, race, color, religion, disability (both mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), family and medical leave, marital status, medical conditions like cancer, national origin, sex, and sexual orientation.

It is illegal for employers in California with five or more employees to discriminate against job applicants or employees based on protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, or religion. These laws apply to all parts of the job, including hiring, promotions, pay, training, and termination. Employers are also not allowed to retaliate against someone for reporting discrimination or asking for their legal rights.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in everyday life, including the workplace. The law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and access as everyone else. Under the ADA, a person is considered disabled if they:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits life activities
• Have a record of the disability

These laws also require employers to make reasonable accommodations for workers. This can include remote work, adjusted work schedules, equipment modifications, or changes to job duties. Some examples of disabilities covered by the ADA include:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• PTSD
• HIV
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Deafness or hearing loss
• Blindness or low vision
• Epilepsy
• Use of mobility devices such as a wheelchair or a cane
• Intellectual disabilities
• Major depressive disorder
• Traumatic brain injury

Despite these legal protections, many employees still face discrimination, denial of accommodations, or retaliation after disclosing a disability. This is when it’s time to speak to an experienced Los Angeles disability discrimination lawyer.

Common Violations of Disability Rights at Work

Living with a disability can come with a lot of societal shame. Because of stigma, it can be difficult to detect discrimination. Often, the disabled worker finds themself second-guessing their experience or even blaming themself for it. It’s important to remember that your disability is not your fault, and you deserve the same amount of respect and safety as any other person.

Discrimination in the workplace can take several forms. Some employers may deny reasonable accommodations, refusing to make necessary changes that would allow a disabled employee to perform their job. In other cases, employees might face termination or demotion after disclosing a disability or requesting support.

Harassment is another concern, as coworkers or supervisors may make offensive or inappropriate comments about an individual’s condition. Additionally, retaliating against an employee for asserting their disability rights is strictly prohibited.

Often, discrimination can be subtle and manipulative, making it hard for the employee to truly know if it’s happening. It can make them question their reality. In 2023, 143 employment discrimination claims were filed in California, with over a third involving disability discrimination.

FAQs

Q: Can I Be Fired for Disclosing a Disability?

A: It is illegal for an employer to fire or demote an employee because they disclosed a disability. Some employees still face retaliation after disclosing a disability, including wrongful termination, pay cuts, or job transfers. While an employer may ask for disability proof to provide reasonable accommodations, that does not justify discriminatory treatment. Many individuals with disabilities choose not to disclose their condition during the hiring process, fearing they won’t be hired. You shouldn’t have to hide your disability or live in fear of what might happen if you disclose it.

Q: How Do You Fight Disability Discrimination?

A: Workers must gather both direct and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence might include a supervisor’s discriminatory remarks or documented denial of accommodations, while circumstantial evidence could involve patterns of your adverse treatment compared to able-bodied workers who were treated more favorably. Clark Employment Law, APC, assists clients in identifying violations of their rights, collecting evidence, and taking timely steps to build a credible disability discrimination case.

Q: What Should I Do If My Employer Denies My Accommodation Request in Los Angeles, CA?

A: If your employer denied your request for a reasonable accommodation in Los Angeles, CA, you should document the request, their response, and how the denial affected your ability to work. Employers are legally required to participate in an interactive process to find reasonable solutions for accommodation requests. Ignoring or denying your request without discussion may be a violation of your rights under FEHA and the ADA.

Q: How Can a Disability Discrimination Lawyer Help Me?

A: A disability discrimination lawyer helps evaluate whether your rights have been violated and guides you through the process of filing a claim. They have a full understanding of your rights and both federal and state laws. They’ll be able to identify patterns of illegal behavior and help you file your claim within the required deadlines. A lawyer can gather evidence, communicate with your employer or their legal team, and represent you in formal proceedings.

Speak with a Los Angeles Disability Discrimination Lawyer Today

If you believe your disability rights were violated in a Los Angeles workplace, contact Clark Employment Law, APC. We offer free consultations to clients to help them understand their legal options and pursue claims under state and federal law. We assist workers across Los Angeles in holding employers accountable for discriminatory conduct. Reach out today to discuss your case with our team.