Chicago Disability Attorney

Facing discrimination in the workplace is a distressing experience that threatens your financial stability and emotional well-being. When an employer treats you unfavorably solely because of a physical or mental impairment, it violates your rights and undermines your dignity. The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline understands the complexities of these sensitive legal matters. Our Chicago disability attorney is dedicated to advocating for workers and their accommodations they are entitled to under the law.

Who Is Protected Under Disability Discrimination Laws?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) serves as a federal shield protecting employees and job applicants from bias based on their health conditions. To secure protection under this law, an individual must generally meet specific criteria regarding their physical or mental health. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts one or more major life activities. The term also encompasses individuals with a history of such an impairment, as well as those who are regarded by others as having one.

Qualified individuals, or those who can complete the essential functions of a job with or without assistance, are safeguarded from discrimination in various aspects of employment. This includes:

• Job application procedures and interviews
• Hiring and firing decisions
• Advancement and promotion opportunities
• Compensation and pay rates
• Job training and other privileges of employment

Our Chicago disability attorney assists clients in determining whether their specific situation falls under these protections and in evaluating whether an employer has failed to uphold their legal obligations.

What Are Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace?

One of the most critical aspects of disability law is the requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations. These are modifications to a work environment or job procedure that allow a disabled person to apply for a position or perform their duties. Unless providing an accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the business operations, employers are expected to engage in an interactive process to find a solution.

Common examples of reasonable accommodations that might be relevant to your situation include:

• Making existing facilities readily accessible and usable
• Restructuring job duties or modifying work schedules
• Reassigning an employee to a vacant position
• Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices
• Adjusting training materials, examinations or policies
• Providing qualified readers or interpreters

It is important to note that employers are not obligated to provide personal items such as glasses or hearing aids. However, if you have requested a work-related accommodation and were denied or if you have faced harassment due to your condition, it is vital to seek legal counsel.

Why Should You Hire a Chicago Disability Attorney?

Navigating the nuances of the ADA and the Illinois Human Rights Act requires deep legal knowledge. Proving that an adverse employment action occurred solely because of a disability can be challenging without professional assistance. Your attorney will analyze the facts of your case, such as whether an employer’s claim of “undue hardship” is valid based on their financial resources and size.

At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline, we bring decades of experience to your corner. We prioritize your dignity and satisfaction, working tirelessly to assert your rights. Whether you are dealing with wrongful termination, denial of reasonable accommodations or a hostile work environment involving offensive jokes and insults, we are prepared to build a winning strategy for you.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe you were fired, demoted or denied a job opportunity due to bias, do not face your employer alone. The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline is here to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Contact our Chicago disability attorney for a consultation and let us fight for your right to a fair and inclusive workplace.