Columbia, MD Disability Accommodation Attorneys

Rockville Employment Lawyers for Disabled Employees in Maryland

Employees with disabilities have the right to fair treatment in the workplace, including the right to receive reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform their job duties effectively. Under federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide the necessary accommodations unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the business. Despite these legal protections, many employees with disabilities encounter challenges when seeking accommodations, or they may experience discrimination based on their disabilities.

Disability rights are a cornerstone of employment law, ensuring that employees with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities. These accommodations are intended to ensure that employees can perform their essential job functions and enjoy the same benefits and privileges as their coworkers. The employment law attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC can provide legal representation for both employees and employers, helping them address issues related to disability accommodations and ensure that the laws are followed correctly.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities

Employees may request changes to their workplace, the procedures they follow while working, or the types of work they perform in order to ensure that they will be able to address issues related to their disabilities while performing the essential functions of their positions. The types of accommodations that may be provided will depend on the specific needs of the employee and the nature of their disability. Some common examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Modifications to the Work Environment: This may involve adjusting the physical workspace, such as installing ramps, modifying workstations, or providing accessible restrooms.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Employees with disabilities may require flexible hours or modified work schedules to attend medical appointments or manage health conditions.
• Assistive Technologies: Employers may need to provide assistive devices, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, or specialized keyboards, to help employees perform their job duties.
• Job Restructuring: Employers may reallocate marginal job functions that the employee cannot perform due to their disability or modify the ways different tasks are performed.
• Remote Work: Allowing employees to work from home may be a reasonable accommodation, especially for those with mobility impairments or health conditions that make commuting difficult.

Employers are required to engage in an interactive process with disabled employees to determine the appropriate accommodations. This process involves a dialogue between the employer and the employee to assess the employee's needs and explore possible accommodations. Freedman Law, LLC assists employees in Columbia, Maryland, in requesting reasonable accommodations and ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.

Employer Requirements and Responsibilities

Employers have specific legal obligations when it comes to providing reasonable accommodations. These obligations include:

• Engaging in the Interactive Process: Employers must communicate with the employee to identify the limitations caused by the disability and discuss possible accommodations.
• Providing Reasonable Accommodations: Employers are required to provide necessary accommodations unless doing so would result in undue hardship, which involves significant difficulty or expense relative to the size and resources of the employer.
• Confidentiality: Employers must keep medical information related to an employee's disability confidential and only disclose it to those involved in the accommodation process.
• Non-Discrimination: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their disabilities. This includes making employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promotions, and job assignments based on the employee's disability or their need for accommodation.

Protecting the Rights of Employees With Disabilities

Securing reasonable accommodations can sometimes be a challenging process. Despite the legal protections in place, some employers may be reluctant to provide accommodations, they may delay the process, or they may even retaliate against employees for requesting accommodations. Freedman Law, LLC helps employees in Maryland and Virginia by:

• Assisting With Accommodation Requests: Our attorneys can provide guidance to employees as they request accommodations, ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided and that requests are clearly communicated to employers.
• Advocating for Employee Rights: Freedman Law, LLC represents employees who face resistance or discrimination when seeking accommodations. Our lawyers work to ensure that employees receive the accommodations they are entitled to under the law.
• Addressing Disability Discrimination: If an employee experiences discrimination based on their disability, Freedman Law, LLC can help file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the appropriate state agencies. We can provide effective representation for employees during these legal proceedings, advocating for their rights and seeking remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and damages.

Helping Employers Address Disability Accommodation Issues

Freedman Law, LLC also provides legal services for employers, helping them meet their obligations and resolve conflicts related to disability accommodations. We can assist employers by:

• Advising on Legal Compliance: Our attorneys can help employers understand their obligations under the ADA and other relevant laws. We can provide guidance on how to implement reasonable accommodations and manage the interactive process effectively.
• Developing Policies and Procedures: Our lawyers work with employers to develop and implement policies and procedures for handling accommodation requests. These policies help ensure that employers meet their legal requirements and that accommodation requests are handled consistently and fairly.
• Defending Against Discrimination Claims: If an employee claims that an employer has engaged in discrimination related to a disability, Freedman Law, LLC can help determine the best options for defense. Our attorneys can provide representation for employers in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and litigation, working to resolve disputes while protecting our clients' interests.

Contact Our McLean, VA Disability Discrimination Lawyers

Whether you are an employee seeking accommodations for a disability or an employer who needs to ensure that you maintain legal compliance, Freedman Law, LLC can provide the legal assistance needed to resolve these issues successfully. Our attorneys can provide experienced legal representation, working to protect your rights and helping you meet your legal requirements. Arrange a consultation with an employment lawyer today by contacting us at 410-290-6232.