La Palma Disability Discrimination Lawyer

La Palma Disability Discrimination Attorney

Discrimination can prevent you from accessing jobs, housing, and other opportunities that should be open to anyone. If you have been discriminated against due to a disability, a La Palma disability discrimination lawyer may be able to help.

The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC, in La Palma works closely with every client to create a case-specific strategy used to pursue fair compensation. Our experienced attorney is ready to negotiate a settlement or defend your case in front of a judge and jury.

What Is Disability Discrimination in La Palma, California?

The 2024 California Civil Rights Department (CRD) Report shows that Orange County is home to 278,935 disabled residents. In addition, 30.9% are adults 35-64 years of age, 12.2% are 18-34, and 16.9% are 64-75. These figures reflect a large portion of the county’s working-age population.

In 2024, Orange County received 2,174 disability complaints regarding employment. In the same report, the county settled 872 cases with a total settlement amount of $99,411,396.

Disability discrimination happens in the workplace and during the recruiting and hiring process. Disability discrimination also occurs when people with a disability try to rent a home, use public services, or access inaccessible computer software or applications online.

Disability Discrimination Laws in California

There are federal and California state-level protections to help educate employers and the public on what constitutes disability discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in hiring, pay, and other employer programs. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals where possible.

In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides protections against discrimination in rental housing based on disability. A disability under the FEHA means having any physiological disease, disorder, or condition that affects one or more body systems and limits a major life activity without mitigating measures such as medication, prosthetics, or reasonable accommodations.

The law also covers mental disability, defined as any mental or psychological disorder that limits a major life activity or requires special education or special services.

Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

Disability discrimination in the workplace is any inequitable treatment of an employee because of their disability. For example, a disabled employee may be disciplined or terminated due to disability-related absences, being unable to complete their work duties, or being bullied or harassed because of their disability.

There are four types of disability discrimination in the workplace, including:

• Direct. Employees are denied a promotion based on their disability or laid off in an attempt to deny them unemployment insurance benefits.
• Indirect. Employees are subject to company policies that do not accommodate their disability or place them at a distinct disadvantage.
• Harassment and retaliation. Any written, oral, or physical actions that embarrass or threaten a disabled employee. Many are taunted openly for working with a disability. Retaliation occurs when a disabled employee files a claim of harassment and then is taunted or terminated.
• Failure to accommodate reasonable requests. A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment made that allows a disabled team member to enjoy equal employment opportunities, including promotions, team events, and training. Accommodations can be as simple as an assistive computer keyboard or a workspace on the ground floor if there is no elevator.

Where to File Disability Discrimination Complaints in Orange County

For residents of La Palma in Orange County, file complaints at: 

• California Civil Rights Department for employment, housing, or public access
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for workplace discrimination
• Orange County Health Care Agency for complaints related to county programs or access

FAQs

Does Hiring a Disability Discrimination Lawyer Help Win a Disability Discrimination Case in California?

Yes, in general, hiring a disability discrimination lawyer can improve the chances of success in a disability discrimination case in California. An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence and file a claim with the Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A disability lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement or represent your case before a judge or jury.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer in La Palma, CA?

The cost of hiring a disability discrimination lawyer in La Palma, CA, typically depends on the settlement or what the jury may award for the case. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you pay them a percentage of what you recover in compensation. Attorney fees may include additional fees for case expenses. When consulting with an attorney, ask for a cost estimate or information on fees and charges.

What Are the Hardest Disabilities to Prove in California?

The hardest disabilities to prove in California are those that lack objective, quantifiable medical evidence. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Epstein-Barr, or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression rely on a diagnosis based on subjective symptoms instead of lab results or imaging. Additionally, to qualify for disability benefits, the disability must last a minimum of 12 months or be terminal.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make When Claiming Disability Discrimination in California?

The most common mistakes people make when claiming disability discrimination in California include failing to document a claim with written records, not officially disclosing a disability to your employer, or failing to participate in the interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations. Additionally, both the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission require claims to meet specific filing deadlines.

Why Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer From The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC?

The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC, offers residents high-quality local legal representation for any disability discrimination case. As a La Palma disability discrimination attorney, Ms. Kim is the lawyer you need on your side. Ms. Kim’s boutique law office has all the resources and technology of a large firm but with the exceptional personalized service of a small, focused legal team.

Ms. Kim speaks English and Korean and is proud to represent local members of the Korean community. If you need legal help for a disability discrimination case in La Palma, contact our office today to get started with a La Palma disability discrimination lawyer.

La Palma Disability Discrimination Lawyer Reviews

Locations

249 East Ocean Blvd, Ste 814
Long Beach, CA 90802

6 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 700,
La Palma, CA 90623