Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Disability Discrimination Lawyer in California | Ray & Seyb Injury Attorneys

You Deserve to Work Without Being Treated Differently Because of Your Disability

If you believe your employer has violated California employment and labor laws, it's essential to consult with an experienced employment attorney like those at Ray & Seyb Injury Attorneys to discuss your rights and options for seeking justice.

If you've been denied a job, passed over for promotion, harassed, or fired because of a disability or medical condition, you're not imagining it—and you don't have to accept it. What you're experiencing isn't just unfair. It's illegal under California law.

At Ray & Seyb Injury Attorneys, we understand how isolating and frustrating workplace disability discrimination can feel. You showed up ready to do your job, only to be judged not by your abilities, but by assumptions about your limitations. Our compassionate and dedicated attorneys have spent decades fighting for California workers just like you—holding employers accountable and helping our clients reclaim their dignity and control over their professional lives.

No Fee Unless We Win. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid when you do.

📞 Call Now: (866) 416-1742 or (949) 423-6552 Free, confidential consultations available 24/7. Most form responses within 5 minutes during business hours.

Why Ray & Seyb?

• Award-winning California employment attorneys
• Serving Orange County, Los Angeles County, and all of California for decades
• Contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no financial risk to you

Understanding Disability Discrimination in California

What Is Disability Discrimination?

Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a physical or mental disability, a history of disability, or because the employer perceives them as having a disability. In California, this form of workplace discrimination is prohibited by some of the strongest employee protection laws in the nation.

Unlike many states that simply follow federal guidelines, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broader protections than the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under FEHA, a disability includes any condition that limits a major life activity—a significantly lower threshold than federal law requires. This means California workers with chronic conditions, mental health disorders, and even temporary disabilities may have legal protections that wouldn't exist elsewhere.

Types of Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination in the workplace takes many forms:

• Failure to hire based on a disclosed disability or perceived limitation
• Wrongful termination after requesting accommodations or medical leave
• Denial of reasonable accommodations such as modified schedules, ergonomic equipment, or work-from-home arrangements
• Harassment based on disability, including offensive comments, isolation, or hostile treatment
• Retaliation for filing a disability discrimination complaint or requesting accommodations
• Failure to engage in the interactive process required by California law

California's Legal Framework for Disability Rights

California employees are protected by multiple overlapping laws:

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – California Government Code §12940 prohibits disability discrimination and requires employers with five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations and engage in a good-faith interactive process.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Federal law covering employers with 15 or more employees, providing baseline protections that California law expands upon.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) – Provides job-protected leave for employees with serious health conditions.

California's Statute of Limitations: You generally have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH), though certain circumstances may affect this timeline. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Potential defendants in a disability discrimination case include:

• Direct employers and parent companies
• Supervisors and managers (who may be individually liable under FEHA)
• Human resources personnel who failed to act
• Staffing agencies and joint employers
• Government entities (with certain procedural requirements)

Employers may be held liable under theories of direct discrimination, disparate impact, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, and retaliation.

Signs You May Have a Disability Discrimination Case

Common Scenarios That Warrant Legal Consultation

You may have a disability discrimination claim if you've experienced any of the following:

1. Your employer refused to provide reasonable accommodations such as modified duties, flexible scheduling, or assistive technology—even though the accommodation wouldn't have caused significant hardship to the business.
2. You were fired or demoted shortly after disclosing a disability or requesting medical leave, even if your employer cited other reasons.
3. Your employer failed to engage in the interactive process. California law requires employers to have a good-faith conversation with you about potential accommodations. Refusing to discuss options or dismissing your requests outright violates your rights.
4. You faced harassment or hostile treatment from supervisors or coworkers because of your disability, and management failed to intervene.
5. You were passed over for promotions or opportunities that went to less-qualified candidates after your employer learned of your condition.
6. Your job offer was rescinded after a pre-employment medical exam or after you disclosed a disability.
7. You were pressured to resign or placed on unpaid leave rather than being accommodated.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

Strong disability discrimination claims typically include:

• Documentation of your disability and any accommodation requests
• Emails, texts, or written communications showing employer responses
• Performance reviews (especially positive reviews before the discrimination began)
• Witness statements from coworkers
• Medical records establishing your condition
• Timeline showing proximity between protected activity and adverse action

Recoverable Damages

If you've been discriminated against, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and benefits, future lost earnings, emotional distress, damage to your professional reputation, and in cases of particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages designed to punish the employer.

Time Is Critical

California's statute of limitations creates real deadlines. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and employers may destroy records. Early consultation allows your attorney to send preservation letters, document your experiences while they're fresh, and build the strongest possible case.

Why Choose Ray & Seyb Injury Attorneys

Our Approach to Disability Discrimination Cases

At Ray & Seyb, we practice trauma-informed advocacy. We understand that workplace discrimination doesn't just affect your paycheck—it affects your sense of self-worth, your mental health, and your faith in institutions that were supposed to protect you. We provide personalized and empathetic support while relentlessly pursuing your rights.

‍Experience That Matters

Attorney C.J. Ray earned his J.D. from Trinity Law School and brings extensive experience in plaintiff's employment litigation. As a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association and the Orange County Bar Association's employment law section, he stays at the forefront of California's evolving workplace protections. This isn't a practice area we dabble in—it's the work we've dedicated our careers to.

Our firm has secured substantial verdicts and settlements for workers throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and across California. We've taken on Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and local businesses alike—and we've won.

Our Client-Centered Philosophy

"We are an elite team of compassionate and dedicated attorneys. With an unwavering commitment to justice, we provide personalized and empathetic support to our clients while relentlessly pursuing their rights. Our mission is to create safer environments by holding perpetrators accountable and empowering victims to reclaim their dignity and control over their lives."

What Sets Us Apart

We take on challenging cases others may decline. If another attorney told you your case was too complicated or your employer was too powerful, we want to hear from you.

We hold organizations accountable. Large corporations often assume they can outspend individual employees into submission. We make sure they can't.

We're willing to go to trial. Many employment lawyers never see the inside of a courtroom. We prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage during settlement negotiations and the ability to fight for you in front of a jury if that's what it takes.

We've delivered results. Our track record of substantial verdicts and settlements speaks for itself.

As one client, Lindsey, shared: "I didn't know what to do or where to turn. Mr. Ray took my case on against all odds and got the results I deserved."

The Legal Process—What to Expect

Your Journey Toward Justice

Step 1: Free Confidential Consultation Your case begins with a no-obligation conversation. We'll listen to your story, review any documentation you have, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options. This consultation is completely confidential and costs you nothing.

Step 2: Case Evaluation and Investigation If we take your case, we immediately begin gathering evidence—employment records, communications, witness statements, and expert opinions if needed. We'll send preservation letters to prevent your employer from destroying evidence.

Step 3: Filing Claims and Legal Strategy Depending on your situation, we may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, pursue a lawsuit in state or federal court, or both. We'll develop a strategy tailored to your goals, whether that's maximum compensation, reinstatement, or simply holding your employer publicly accountable.

Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement Discussions Most cases resolve through settlement, and our reputation for trial preparation gives us significant leverage in negotiations. We'll never pressure you to accept an offer you're uncomfortable with.

Step 5: Trial (If Necessary) If your employer refuses to offer fair compensation, we're prepared to take your case to a jury. Our willingness to go to trial is often what separates good settlements from great ones.

Step 6: Resolution and Compensation Once your case resolves, we'll help you understand any settlement terms and ensure you receive every dollar you're owed.

Our Commitment Throughout

You'll receive regular updates on your case's progress. We handle all the legal complexities—filings, deadlines, negotiations with opposing counsel—so you can focus on your health and your future. You'll never be left wondering what's happening with your case.

Damages and Compensation in Disability Discrimination Cases

Types of Compensation Available

California's strong employee protection laws allow for significant recovery in disability discrimination cases:

Economic Damages

• Back pay (wages lost from termination or demotion to present)
• Front pay (future lost wages if reinstatement isn't possible)
• Lost benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and stock options
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to job searching, relocation, or medical treatment

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Humiliation and damage to reputation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm

Punitive Damages In cases involving particularly malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive conduct, California courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the employer and deter similar behavior in the future. These can sometimes exceed compensatory damages.

Attorney's Fees Under FEHA, successful plaintiffs may recover their attorney's fees from the defendant—meaning the employer pays for your legal representation.

Maximizing Your Recovery

Calculating the true value of a disability discrimination case requires experience. Lost wages are just the beginning. We work with vocational experts, economists, and mental health professionals to document the full impact of what you've experienced. We also know how insurance companies and corporate defense teams try to minimize claims—and we know how to fight back.

Document everything. Save emails, text messages, and voicemails. Keep a journal of discriminatory incidents with dates and witnesses. The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your case becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire Ray & Seyb for my disability discrimination case?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case. The consultation is free and confidential, and you'll never receive a bill for our services unless we secure compensation for you.

How long will my disability discrimination case take?

Every case is different. Some cases resolve through settlement within a few months; others may take a year or more if trial becomes necessary. We'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific circumstances during your consultation and keep you informed throughout the process.

What if I can't afford medical treatment for conditions related to the discrimination I experienced?

Many of our clients experience anxiety, depression, or worsening of their underlying disabilities due to workplace discrimination. We can connect you with medical providers who work on a lien basis—meaning they'll wait for payment until your case resolves. Your health shouldn't suffer because of your employer's illegal conduct.

What evidence do I need to prove disability discrimination?

You don't need a "smoking gun" to have a case. Circumstantial evidence—like being fired shortly after requesting accommodations, or being replaced by someone without a disability—can be powerful. Bring whatever you have to your consultation: emails, performance reviews, medical records, written accommodation requests, or simply a detailed account of what happened. We'll help you identify what additional evidence we need.

Can I sue if I quit rather than being fired?

Possibly. If your working conditions became so intolerable that a reasonable person would have felt compelled to resign, you may have a claim for "constructive discharge." This includes situations where you were harassed, denied accommodations, or demoted in retaliation for asserting your rights. We can evaluate whether your resignation qualifies during your free consultation.

What is the statute of limitations for disability discrimination claims in California?

You generally have three years from the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. However, waiting can hurt your case—evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and employers may destroy records. We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing discrimination.

Will my disability discrimination case go to trial?

Most employment cases settle before trial, but the threat of trial is what drives fair settlements. We prepare every case as though it will be tried to a jury. If your employer refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we're fully prepared to present your case in court. You'll never be pressured to accept a settlement you're not comfortable with.

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Take the First Step Toward Justice

You've Already Shown Incredible Strength

Recognizing discrimination and seeking help takes courage. You've dealt with enough—the stress, the self-doubt, the financial pressure, the feeling that no one believes you. You don't have to carry this alone anymore.

‍Your Next Step Is Simple—and It's Free

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. There's no obligation, no pressure, and no fee unless we win your case. Taking this call is about reclaiming control and having someone in your corner who will fight relentlessly on your behalf.

📞 Call (866) 416-1742 or (949) 423-6552 Available 24/7. Most form submissions receive a response within 5 minutes during business hours.

📍 Serving Orange County, Los Angeles County, and all of California 2111 Business Center Dr Suite 208, Irvine, CA 92612

You've been treated unfairly. Let us help you make it right.

Ray & Seyb Injury Attorneys—Compassionate Advocacy. Relentless Results.