Discrimination With A Disabled Person At Work
Disability discrimination is not only discrimination against a disabled person. An employer might discriminate against someone because of his or her association with a disabled person at work. This discrimination or harassment by the employer may result in termination, demotion or lack of a promotion.
If you have been discriminated against because of your association with a disabled person at work, you have legal rights.
Contact Bononi Law Group, LLP, to speak to our knowledgeable Pasadena disability discrimination lawyers. Our law firm helps clients throughout Southern California advocate for their employment law rights. That includes clients in Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, San Bernardino and Ventura. Call us at 213-550-5503.
Association Discrimination Is Illegal In California
Federal and state discrimination laws protect employees who associate with a “qualified individual.” A qualified individual is someone who is covered by discrimination protection laws, including disability protections.
Discrimination by association with a disabled person generally takes three forms, which have been recognized by the court as illegal:
- Expense: You experience an adverse action such as termination because of the expense of the disabled person. This usually refers to a disabled loved one who adds expense to a health or benefits plan.
- Disability by association: You are discriminated against because of your association at work with someone who has a disability. This category has been recognized in cases where association with another employee who has an HIV-related disability has led to discrimination.
- Distraction: If your employer views your association with an employee who has a qualified disability as a distraction to your work, you may have a claim against your employer.
These three categories of workplace discrimination are illegal. Your employer cannot take adverse action against you because of your relationship with a disabled employee at work.
After you experience workplace discrimination in California, contact Bononi Law Group, LLP, or call our law office at 213-550-5503. We have more than two decades of experience representing employees in discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment lawsuits.
