Have you been denied a job that you are qualified for because of a disability? Individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal and fair treatment in the workplace. They are entitled to a workplace free from harassment, bias, and retaliation based on a mental or physical disability.
Our employment lawyers at Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C. provide personalized legal guidance and compassionate support to employees who have been subjected to disability discrimination. We develop case-driven strategies based on the unique circumstances of your situation. Protecting your rights and interests is our top priority.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an attorney. Our disability discrimination lawyers represent employees in Fairfield County and throughout the state of Connecticut.
How Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C. Helps Connecticut Workers Pursue a Claim for Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
Our attorneys focus exclusively on the employment relationship. We stand by employees as they demand fair treatment and legal rights. Our employment lawyers have a reputation in the legal community as fierce advocates for our clients. We fight for employees who have been subjected to unlawful treatment by employers.
When you hire our Fairfield County employment attorneys, we will take numerous steps to help you with your claim, including:
- Investigate the circumstances of your claim and gather evidence
- Advise you on your rights and legal options for filing claims
- Determine the damages caused by the discrimination and the value of your damages
- Advocate for reasonable accommodations to enable you to perform your job
- Prepare and file all paperwork and documents required for claims and lawsuits
- Attempt to resolve the claim through negotiations and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
- Litigate your claim in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Our Connecticut employment law attorneys have top ratings with numerous organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers. We have over 50 years of experience representing clients throughout Connecticut.
Talk with an experienced Fairfield County disability discrimination attorney today. Call Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation.
Overview of Disability Discrimination Laws in Connecticut
Being denied a job or treated unfairly at work because of a disability is against the law. Examples of disability discrimination include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to hire an applicant because of their disability
- Creating a hostile work environment because of harassment, including offensive comments, jokes, etc.
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations
- Denying requests for protected medical leave
- Being excluded from workplace activities
- Wrongfully terminating an employee because of their disability
- Failing to promote an employee who is qualified for a position because they have a disability
Employees are protected from disability discrimination under federal law by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under 42 U.S.C. §12102, disability includes a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a person’s activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.
The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA) also provides rights for employees with disabilities on a state level. The CFEPA extends protections beyond those offered under federal law. For example, Connecticut law defines physical disability as any chronic physical infirmity, handicap, or impairment. Someone with a record of or who is regarded as having one or more mental disorders may have a mental disability.
Legal Options for Employees Facing Workplace Disability Discrimination
If you have experienced disability discrimination at work, you may have several options for legal recourse.
You may file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under federal disability discrimination laws. You may also file a complaint under Connecticut disability discrimination laws with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). In some instances, you may file a lawsuit against your employer for injunctive relief or compensation for damages.
The action you take depends on the factors involved in your case. Our disability discrimination attorneys analyze every aspect of your case in relation to applicable laws.
What Damages Are Available for Disability Discrimination Claims in Fairfield County, CT?
The remedies you may receive for a disability discrimination claim depend on the type of claim being filed and the circumstances of your case. However, some of the potential remedies for disability discrimination include:
- Reimbursement for loss of income and back pay
- Compensation for future lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Reinstatement to your position with your company
- An order requiring your employer to make reasonable accommodations for your job
- Compensation for emotional distress and non-economic damages
- Payment of attorneys’ fees and the cost of litigating your claim
- Punitive damages
Proving your claim and damages can be challenging. You have the burden of proving the legal elements of disability discrimination. However, you do not have to do this alone. Our legal team at Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C. is here to help you seek justice.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Subjected to Disability Discrimination at a Connecticut Company?
The first step is to report the disability discrimination to your employer. Gather evidence of disability discrimination, including:
- Medical documentation of your disability
- Notice of your disability to your employer
- Requests for reasonable accommodations
- Denials of reasonable accommodations
- Employment records, including performance reviews, job descriptions, disciplinary actions, etc.
- List of witnesses who observed the disability discrimination
- Copies of text messages, emails, memos, and other written communications
Many companies have specific procedures for reporting complaints. Follow your company’s procedures and document your steps. Keep copies of all records proving your attempt to resolve your complaint with your company.
If your company refuses to resolve your complaint, it may be time to take legal action. Consider consulting with an attorney to discuss the best course of action to move forward.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing Workplace Disability Discrimination Claims in Connecticut?
Complaints with the CHRO must be filed within 300 days of the disability discrimination. The deadline to file a claim with the EEOC is usually 180 days from the date of the disability discrimination, but it can be extended to 300 days if a state enforces a law on disability discrimination.
The deadline to file a claim or lawsuit for disability discrimination can be confusing. The best way to protect your rights is to seek prompt legal advice from an attorney.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Fairfield County Employment Attorney
You have the right to be free of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. You may have a claim under state or federal law if your employer discriminated against you because of your disability. Call Mitchell, Sheahan & Slippen, P.C. to schedule an initial consultation with our Fairfield County disability discrimination attorneys.