Disability Discrimination

Disability Discrimination Attorneys in Lake Charles

Those among us who are disabled carry these burdens silently every day. Some disabilities are obvious, while others remain hidden. Regardless the struggle is the same. Those who suffer with disabilities face difficulties that most of us can never imagine. For example, if someone in a wheelchair faces the curb of a street or a staircase it could render a simple trip to the grocery store impossible whereas others would simply continue moving forward. Basic human dignity reaffirms the principle that those with disabilities are valuable and can make valuable contributions in the workplace. That immutable truth however long played an ignored role in the American workplace.

Until the United States Congress recognized the problem and in 1990 passed Title I of The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) often regarding as one of the most sweeping and comprehensive reforms in the area of social justice since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified person with a disability in the private sector, and in state and local governments. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Discrimination in Lake Charles

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how does it protect individuals in Lake Charles?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. In Lake Charles, as in the rest of the United States, the ADA ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This includes the requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it would cause undue hardship.

What constitutes disability discrimination in the workplace?

Disability discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employer treats a qualified individual with a disability unfavorably because of their disability. This can include not hiring, promoting, or providing reasonable accommodations to the individual. It also encompasses retaliation against an individual for asserting their rights under the ADA, such as filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation or lawsuit related to discrimination.

How can an attorney in Lake Charles help if I've faced disability discrimination?

An attorney in Lake Charles can assist individuals who have faced disability discrimination by evaluating their case, advising them on their legal rights under the ADA, and representing them in legal proceedings. This may include negotiating with employers for reasonable accommodations, filing a discrimination charge with the appropriate agency, or pursuing a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages caused by the discrimination.

What are reasonable accommodations, and when are they required by law in Lake Charles?

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable people with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities. Examples include making existing facilities accessible, modifying work schedules, or providing assistive technology. In Lake Charles, as mandated by the ADA, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship, which means significant difficulty or expense in relation to the size of the employer, resources, and the nature of the operation.

Understanding Disability Discrimination in Lake Charles: Local Insights

In Lake Charles, individuals with disabilities can face challenges in the workplace. While progress has been made by the local government much work remains to be done to ensure workplaces are fully accommodating to individuals with disabilities.

How Our Attorneys Guide Clients Through Disability Discrimination Issues

One of the significant issues for employees in Lake Charles is that some workplaces may not make changes to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. This lack of effort can severely impact their ability to perform their jobs effectively. In some cases, employers might even discriminate against qualified individuals because of their disabilities, choosing not to hire them or provide the necessary support. This not only hinders the professional growth of these individuals but also perpetuates inequality and exclusion in the workplace.

Our attorneys are well-versed in the specific challenges faced by Lake Charles residents and are committed to fighting for your rights. Whether it's negotiating reasonable accommodations with employers or representing you in legal proceedings, we understand the local landscape and can help you overcome these hurdles.

If you or a loved one has faced workplace disability discrimination, don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Together, we can work towards a more equitable future for all employees in Lake Charles.

The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

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Contact Our Disability Discrimination Attorneys Today

In 1997 the Louisiana Legislature re-organized most of the employment discrimination statutes into one consolidated location at La R.S. 32:301 et. seq. This Louisiana statute mirrors the federal law fairly closely.

NOTE: Sections 501 & 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 extend these protections of the ADA to the Federal government as well.

Therefore, under both State and Federal law a victim has a remedy that can include: back pay, benefits, reinstatement, attorney’s fees, court costs, and damages.

If you feel you have been a victim of discrimination due to a disability or unlawful employment practices, do not hesitate to contact the Lake Charles disability discrimination lawyers today. Many companies have teams of lawyers looking out for their interests, you need the experienced and dedicated team of paralegals, attorneys, and investigators, to assist you here at Sudduth & Associates. Remember that the sooner you get a lawyer involved on your behalf the better your chances of a positive outcome. Contact us online or at 1-833-SUDDUTH today!

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