Disability discrimination remains an unfortunate reality in many workplaces across New Jersey. Whether it’s through subtle bias or outright denial of accommodations, this type of discrimination can limit opportunities and impact the livelihood of hardworking individuals. Fortunately, both state and federal laws offer strong protections for employees living with disabilities.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is proud to stand up for workers who have been treated unfairly because of a physical or mental disability. If you believe your rights have been violated, it’s important to understand your legal options—and take action to protect yourself.
What Is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified individual unfavorably because of a disability. This includes not only actual disabilities but also perceived disabilities and prior conditions. Discrimination can occur during any stage of employment—from hiring and promotions to job assignments and termination.
Examples include:
- Refusing to hire someone because of a visible or disclosed disability
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations
- Firing or demoting an employee due to a medical condition
- Harassing an employee because of their disability
- Unjustly denying leave for medical treatment or recovery
These actions violate both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A key aspect of disability rights is the requirement that employers provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities—unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. These accommodations allow workers to perform their job duties and enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.
Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Modified work schedules or remote work options
- Accessible workspaces or specialized equipment
- Reassignment to a vacant position
- Leave for medical treatment or recovery
- Adjustments to training materials or policies
If your employer denies a reasonable accommodation without justification or retaliates against you for requesting one, they may be in violation of the law.
Recognizing Disability Harassment
Disability discrimination doesn’t always look like overt denial of opportunities. It can also involve harassment that creates a hostile work environment. This includes jokes, insults, or offensive remarks related to a person’s condition, as well as unnecessary questioning or public disclosure of private medical details.
If the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to affect your ability to work or feel safe, it may rise to the level of unlawful harassment.
Filing a Disability Discrimination Claim
If you suspect that you’ve been subjected to disability discrimination, you have the right to take legal action. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help clients through each step of the process, including:
- Evaluating whether your condition qualifies under the law
- Determining whether your employer violated accommodation or anti-discrimination laws
- Filing a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or the EEOC
- Pursuing litigation in state or federal court if necessary
You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages—as well as reinstatement or other equitable relief.
Why Choose NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC?
Our firm brings deep experience, compassion, and tenacity to every disability discrimination case. We know how challenging it can be to advocate for your rights while managing a health condition. That’s why we do the heavy lifting for you—so you can focus on your well-being while we fight for the justice you deserve.
If you’re located in New Jersey and want to know if your experience qualifies as disability discrimination, our team is ready to help.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Address:
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About Us:
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we represent individuals throughout New Jersey in matters of disability discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment law violations. Your rights and dignity at work are worth protecting—and we’re here to help.