Philadelphia Disability Discrimination Attorney

Fighting for the Rights of the Disabled Worker in Pennsylvania

In 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This is usually considered the civil rights act for persons with disabilities. Using the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as models, the ADA provides protections for disabled persons and dictates that they not be discriminated against based upon their abilities or disabilities.

Each and every individual should be provided the chance to display talents and use skills in a job-related function, regardless of disability. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. At the Hamilton Law Firm, P.C., we have handled numerous cases of disability discrimination where an employee was unable to work to his or her potential due to discrimination from an employer. When reasonable accommodations are not provided, or individuals are fired or denied promotions due to disabilities, there must be consequences for the employer.

A disability is generally defined by the ADA as "a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; or a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment." In 2009, a number of amendments that were made to the act became effective. These changes were designed to broaden the definition of disability. This reversed some previously established case law which was known to have restricted the definition in the past. A disability must still be extensively documented; however, many more illnesses and conditions fall into the category of "disability."

Workplace Accommodations

Your employer is legally compelled to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for your documented physical or mental disabilities. If they have not, or you have been discriminated against due to the accommodations you have requested, we may be able to help you pursue a claim based upon the illegal actions taken against you. We also can help employers ensure that they are making the proper accommodations for employees who have self-identified that they have a disability.

Contact a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Job Discrimination Attorney

Disability discrimination is illegal and disheartening for employees. If you have been discriminated against because of your disability, or you are an employer who is defending yourself against a claim, contact a Philadelphia disability discrimination lawyer at the Hamilton Law Firm, P.C., today for an initial consultation. You can meet with a knowledgeable lawyer at our firm and learn more about how we handle employee and employer disability discrimination cases.