A Disability Discrimination Lawyer You Can Trust
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides legal protection for individuals in employment. The ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities to complete their jobs. Passed by congress and signed into law in 1990, it is arguably the most comprehensive and significant anti-discrimination piece of legislation since the Civil Rights Act. Disability discrimination can occur when an employer treats an individual less favorably or fails to make sensible adjustments that would not cause them undue hardship. Attorney Chris Olsen is a disability discrimination lawyer in San Diego who is not afraid to take on large companies on your behalf. If you have been the victim of unlawful and unfair discriminatory practices, please contact our office to make an appointment with Chris Olsen to explore your legal options.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment. To fall under the protection of the ADA, an individual must meet the definition of "a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment." This means that the ADA provides protection for individuals with physical disabilities, temporary or permanent medical conditions, mental disorders, and pregnancies.
Additionally, the ADA requires employers to make "reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship." This portion of the law requires employers to make adjustments to the work environment or the way in which work is performed to help a person with a disability apply for a position, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the privileges and benefits of their employment. Examples include installing ramps in order to make the workplace accessible to employees in wheelchairs or allowing schedule flexibility for someone with cancer that needs to attend doctor's appointments frequently. However, an employer does not have to provide accommodations if it will cause "undue hardship." This means that if the accommodation will be too difficult or expensive to implement based on the employer's size and financial resources, then they do not legally have to provide it.
Choosing an Experienced Discrimination Attorney
This complex area of law is built upon the legal definition of disabilities, reasonable accommodations, and undue hardship, meaning you will need an experienced trial attorney that can effectively be an advocate for your rights. Chris Olsen is known for the large amount of preparation he puts into every case and his dynamic courtroom presence that has helped him argue on behalf of his previous clients. He has successfully taken on large companies in class action lawsuits, as well as done pro bono work for mentally ill clients to pursue justice for those that have fallen victim to unfair practices.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you feel that you may have been unfairly discriminated against due to a disability or medical condition, and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with attorney Chris Olsen.
