ADA Discrimination Attorneys in Alabama and Georgia
ADA Discrimination
ADA discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified employee or job applicant unfairly because of a physical or mental disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers in Alabama and Georgia with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot make employment decisions based on disability status.
What Is Considered a Disability Under the ADA?
The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. These activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. The law also protects individuals with a history of such an impairment, or those who are regarded as having a disability, even if they don’t currently have symptoms.
To be protected, you must be qualified for the job and able to perform its essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The ADA applies to private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions.
Common Examples of ADA Discrimination
ADA violations can occur during hiring, employment, or termination. Common examples include:
- Refusing to hire someone with a visible or known disability
- Firing or demoting an employee after they disclose a disability
- Denying reasonable accommodations such as a modified schedule, assistive technology, or remote work
- Ignoring or refusing to engage in the interactive accommodation process
- Requiring medical exams before making a job offer
- Creating or allowing a hostile work environment through bullying, teasing, or harassment based on disability
If you’ve experienced any of these actions, you may have grounds for an ADA disability discrimination claim in Alabama or Georgia.
What Are Reasonable Accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is any change to the work environment or the way things are usually done that allows a disabled employee to perform essential job functions. Examples include:
- Modified work schedules
- Accessible workstations and entrances
- Leave for medical treatment or recovery
- Screen readers or speech-to-text software
- Adjusted job duties that don’t impact business operations
Employers are required to provide accommodations unless doing so would cause "undue hardship"—typically defined as significant difficulty or expense. However, many accommodations are low-cost and easy to implement.
What To Do If You’ve Faced Disability Discrimination at Work
If your employer in Alabama or Georgia has denied accommodations, retaliated against you, or treated you unfairly because of a disability, you have legal options. You can begin by filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the incident. The EEOC may investigate your claim, offer mediation, or issue a “right to sue” letter.
Talk to an ADA Disability
Discrimination Attorney Today
You don’t have to navigate workplace discrimination alone. If you’ve been denied a job, mistreated at work, or denied reasonable accommodations because of your disability, reach out today.
Contact The Workers’ Firm by filling out our online form to schedule your free consultation with an experienced ADA discrimination lawyer in Alabama or Georgia. We're here to help you assert your rights and get the fair treatment you deserve.
