Disability Discrimination Attorneys Columbus, Ohio

Workplace discrimination can appear in many different forms, including disability discrimination. But federal and state laws are in place to provide disabled employees with certain protections within the workplace. These protections specifically prohibit employers, supervisors, and others within the workplace from treating disabled employees or job applicants unfairly because of their disability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a “federal civil rights law that expressly prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.” This includes prohibiting discrimination within the workplace under Title I of the ADA.

If you have faced disability discrimination in the workplace or suspect that you have, connecting with an experienced ADA discrimination lawyer from The Friedmann Firm can be essential. Our law firm specializes in labor and employment law, and we work to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and legally within the workplace.

We understand how stressful it can be to face problems at work. You may feel like you have no options when you are not being treated fairly or you may feel overwhelmed by how complex employment laws can be. Our Columbus attorneys for disability discrimination will help educate you on what laws apply to your individual situation and will fight for you if those laws have been violated.

Should we take your case on, you will have aggressive legal representation from The Friedmann Firm team. We are dedicated to holding employers accountable for disability discrimination and protecting your rights in the workplace.

What protections does the ADA offer?

The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating in all employment practices, including hiring, firing, advancement, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.

How do I know if I am protected by the ADA?

If you are a “qualified individual” with a disability, you are protected. Consult with a Columbus ADA disability attorney to see if your disability or medical condition provides protection under the ADA. 

What is the definition of disability discrimination?

While the definition of disability discrimination can vary, generally, a disabled person is someone who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life functions;
• Has a record of having such impairment; or
• Is regarded (perceived by the employer) as having an impairment. 

What does “qualified individual” mean?

A qualified individual is an individual with a disability who can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

What is a “reasonable accommodation”?

An adjustment or modification provided by the employer that allows a disabled employee to have the same opportunities as other, non-disabled employees. Every person is different and may require different accommodations. If the accommodation does not impose an “undue hardship” on the employer, the employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?

• Allowing an employee with a medical condition to alter a schedule or use “flex time” to attend doctor’s appointments without incurring discipline for attendance problems.
• Allowing an employee to take breaks to administer medication for an ongoing medical condition, like cancer or diabetes.
• Allowing an employee to sit for longer periods of time if their doctor has imposed “light duty” restrictions.
• Must I request a reasonable accommodation in order for the employer to provide it?
  • YES. An employer is only required to accommodate a known disability of a qualified employee or applicant. You must make your employer aware of the problem you are having and propose reasonable accommodations. After you tell your employer you need a reasonable accommodation, your employer should discuss possible options with you.

If you have questions about reasonable accommodation and how your employer may be required to address it, feel free to reach out to one of our ADA discrimination lawyers at The Friedmann Firm.

What limitations does the ADA impose on medical exams and inquiries about disability?

The ADA imposes a number of limitations on medical exams and asking about a person’s disability. This can include:

• An employer cannot ask an employee to take a medical examination before extending a job offer.
• It also cannot make any pre-employment inquiries about a disability or the nature and/or severity of a disability.
• An employer can ask an employee about their ability to perform specific job functions with or without limitations, and an employer can ask an employee how he or she would perform specific job functions.
• An offer of employment can be made contingent upon the results of a medical exam, but only if all employees have to undergo the same medical exam.
• A medical exam may only seek information regarding whether the employee is able to perform the functions of his or her job.

If you have questions about the limitations under the ADA, please contact a disability discrimination lawyer. We can help explain the limitations under the ADA and answer other questions you may have.

When do I need an employment discrimination lawyer’s help?

If you believe that you have faced disability discrimination in the workplace, connecting with an attorney for disability discrimination can be a good next step. Disability discrimination can happen to both current employees and job seekers and may take form in many different ways. An employment discrimination lawyer can assist you in figuring out if you have a potential claim on your hands.

We can help:

• Determine if your employer discriminated against you due to a disability
• Look over any evidence you have collected
• Help gather further evidence in support of your claim
• Explain your rights and legal options
• Handle all paperwork for your case
• Ensure all deadlines are met

Connect with Our ADA Discrimination Lawyers Today

If you have faced disability discrimination in the workplace or during the job application process, connecting with disability discrimination lawyers near you can be important as you seek legal representation. Whether you have been denied employment on the basis of a disability or if your employer denies a reasonable accommodation request, you may have grounds for a claim.

One of our ADA discrimination lawyers will be able to analyze the details of your situation and help determine if you have a claim on your hands. We have handled a range of employment cases with positive results for clients, and we are here to help.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys, please reach out over the phone at 614-610-9755 or through our online contact form.

Speak with an Attorney for Disability Discrimination

Call our Columbus disability discrimination lawyers at The Friedmann Firm today. We offer free consultations.