If you have a disability, you may wonder if you are protected from discrimination in the workplace. The answer is yes, but not all disabilities are treated the same under the law. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Los Angeles employment discrimination lawyer from RD Law Group to learn more about the types of disabilities that count as protected classes in California and how we can help if you believe you were discriminated against in the workplace. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is a disability under California law?
California law defines a disability as any medical condition or disorder that limits an employee’s ability to work. A disability can be physical or mental, visible or invisible, temporary or permanent. A disability can also be actual or perceived, meaning that you can be protected even if you do not have a disability but your employer thinks you do.
Some examples of physical disabilities that may qualify as protected classes are as follows:
- Blindness or vision impairment
- Deafness or hearing impairment
- Paralysis or mobility impairment
- Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
- Cancer or other life-threatening diseases
- HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders
Some examples of mental disabilities that may qualify as protected classes include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Autism or ADHD
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders
- Learning disabilities or dyslexia
What is a protected class under California law?
A protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic that is legally protected from discrimination. California law prohibits discrimination based on any of the protected classes listed below by any employer with more than five employees. This means that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your age, race, national origin, religion, gender, or disability, among other protected characteristics.
How can an attorney help if you are discriminated against due to a disability?
If you are discriminated against due to a disability, you have the right to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), which is responsible for enforcing state laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee because of a protected characteristic. You can also file a lawsuit against your employer once the CRD investigates your complaint.
An attorney can help you with every step of the process, from gathering evidence and documenting incidents to filing your complaint and representing you in court. An attorney can also help you recover monetary damages from your employer if you are successful in your lawsuit.
Disabilities are one of the many protected classes in California that are safeguarded from employment discrimination. If you have a disability that limits your ability in the workplace, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations and equal treatment from your employer. If you were discriminated against due to your disability, you should contact RD Law Group today. We are here to fight for you and your rights, every step of the way.
