Fighting for Justice in the Workplace for the Disabled
You show up, ready to work, just like everyone else. But somehow, you’re treated like you don’t belong. Maybe it’s a cold shoulder after you asked for support. Or the way they passed you over for that promotion. It adds up. And it’s not okay.
At Lazaro Law Group, we help people who’ve faced this kind of treatment because of a physical or mental impairment. Maybe you’ve been denied reasonable accommodations. Or left out of training that everyone else got.
Maybe you never even got a fair shot at the job in the first place. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay quiet about it. If your condition affects a major life activity—like walking, hearing, learning, or concentrating, you have rights. Strong ones.
Our disability discrimination lawyers know the laws inside and out. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act were made to protect people just like you. If your employer ignored your needs or treated you unfairly because of such an impairment, you may be entitled to legal action.
This page is for you. We’re here to help you take the next step.
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What is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly at work because of a physical or mental condition. It affects both employees and job applicants. Under federal and state laws, this treatment is illegal.
A disability is defined under the ADA as a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. These include:
- Walking
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Speaking
- Learning
- Working
The law also protects people who are seen as having a disability, even if the condition is not active. It doesn’t matter if the issue is temporary, past, or just assumed by others.
Discrimination can show up in different ways:
- Refusing to hire qualified job applicants
- Denying reasonable accommodations
- Firing or demoting someone because of their condition
- Allowing others to harass a disabled employee
- Retaliating after someone speaks up or requests help
- Leaving someone out of meetings, projects, or training
Some employers may claim that providing support creates an undue hardship. But that excuse must be judged fairly. Cost alone doesn’t always justify denial.
Disability discrimination can be loud or quiet. Either way, it’s harmful, and it’s against the law.
If it’s happening to you, your rights matter. You may even have grounds to take your case to federal court.
Reasonable Accommodations and Employer Obligations
A reasonable accommodation is any change to the work environment or job that helps an employee with a known disability do their job properly. It is not a special favor. It is a right under employment law.
These changes allow someone with a physical or mental impairment to carry out the essential functions of their position. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers.
Some common examples include:
- Changing work hours or shifts
- Providing screen readers or voice-to-text tools
- Adjusting tasks that are not central to the job
- Making restrooms or break areas easier to access
- Offering written instructions or alternative training formats
- Moving someone to a vacant role they qualify for
To find the right solution, employers must engage in what’s called the interactive process, making existing facilities accessible for disabled individuals, providing or adjusting training materials in accessible formats to name a few. This means they must talk with the employee, listen, and explore what adjustments make sense.
Not every request will be approved. An employer can deny it if it causes an undue hardship. That usually means the cost or difficulty is too great for the business to handle. But this depends on the size and resources of the company. Each case is judged on its own facts.If your employer refused support for a known disability, contact us today to understand your rights and what you can do next.
Reasonable Accommodations and Employer Obligations
A reasonable accommodation is any change to the work environment or job that helps an employee with a known disability do their job properly. It is not a special favor. It is a right under employment law.
These changes allow someone with a physical or mental impairment to carry out the essential functions of their position. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers.
Some common examples include:
- Changing work hours or shifts
- Providing screen readers or voice-to-text tools
- Adjusting tasks that are not central to the job
- Making restrooms or break areas easier to access
- Offering written instructions or alternative training formats
- Moving someone to a vacant role they qualify for
To find the right solution, employers must engage in what’s called the interactive process, making existing facilities accessible for disabled individuals, providing or adjusting training materials in accessible formats to name a few. This means they must talk with the employee, listen, and explore what adjustments make sense.
Not every request will be approved. An employer can deny it if it causes an undue hardship. That usually means the cost or difficulty is too great for the business to handle. But this depends on the size and resources of the company. Each case is judged on its own facts.
If your employer refused support for a known disability, contact us today to understand your rights and what you can do next.
Who is Protected?
Workplace protections under the Disabilities Act and the Medical Leave Act apply to many people. These laws are part of employment law and are meant to ensure fair treatment.
You may be protected if you are:
- A disabled employee
- A job applicant with a health condition
- Someone with a short-term or long-term impairment
- In recovery from surgery or illness
- Living with a condition that comes and goes
- In need of time off for treatment or care
These rights cover both physical and mental health issues. What matters is how the condition affects your daily life.
Taking Legal Action
If you’ve faced disability discrimination at work, you have the right to act. Laws exist to protect qualified individuals and hold employers accountable for unfair treatment.
The first step is often filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). These agencies review your complaint and may investigate your case.
At Lazaro Law Group, we guide you through every part of the process. Our team helps:
- Collect proof of what happened
- File formal complaints
- Respond to employer claims
- Start lawsuits if needed
- Seek payment for lost wages
- Pursue claims for emotional harm
- Request court orders to stop the behavior
We support qualified employees who have been denied fair treatment, left without support for such an impairment, or punished for speaking up. When an employer uses undue hardship as a reason to deny support, we take a closer look and challenge it where needed.
A discrimination lawyer from our team will help you understand what’s possible and what steps to take. You don’t need to face this alone.
How Our Disability Discrimination Lawyers Can Help
At Lazaro Law Group, we focus on helping workers facing unfair treatment under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our team has handled cases involving hiring, job training, workplace barriers, and more.
We listen. We ask the right questions. Then we build a legal plan based on your exact situation.
Whether it’s a denied request, a hostile work environment situation, or missed chances for growth, we step in with clear action.
Our lawyers know how to push back when companies fail at making reasonable accommodations. We also help when employers claim significant difficulty as a way to avoid doing what the law requires.
You’ll get personal support at every step. We help gather proof, file claims, and represent you if the case goes to court. Every move we make is designed to protect employees and give each disabled person the fair treatment they deserve.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let us help you move forward with strength.
Contact Our Disability Discrimination Lawyers Today
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of a medical condition, now is the time to act. The law protects employees based on many forms of disability, and you may be covered under federal law.
Our team at Lazaro Law Group can help you understand your legal rights. We handle everything—from job restructuring cases to denial of qualified readers and other support tools. Every situation is different. That’s why we take the time to listen and guide you clearly.
Your first consultation is free. Call us or fill out the contact form today. Let’s talk about what happened and what steps you can take next.
At Lazaro Law Group, we make sure every step is clear, every right is protected, and your voice is heard. Contact us Today and get your free Consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as a disability?
A disability is a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, like walking, speaking, or working.
What’s a reasonable accommodation?
It’s a change that helps a disabled employee perform their job. This can include schedule changes, support tools, or adjusted duties.
Can I be fired for having a disability?
No. Firing someone because of a disability or for requesting help may be seen as harassment or discrimination under the law.
How do I file a claim?
You can start by filing with the EEOC or state agency. A lawyer can guide you through the process and help you seek compensation.
And that’s exactly what we do best.
