Missouri Disability Discrimination Attorney

Experienced Legal Representation Against Disability Discrimination in St. Louis County

All individuals should not be discriminated against for their actual or perceived disability. Whether this takes the form of unfair treatment or harassing behavior, an employer is legally prohibited from singling out a disabled employee in the workplace. If you have experienced such discriminatory conduct, you have the right to take legal action against your employer. The employment lawyers at Riggan Law Firm, LLC represent individuals who believe they have been discriminated against due to disability.

Disability Discrimination in Missouri

Disability discrimination is defined as treating someone unfairly or differently due to their disability in Missouri. This type of discrimination can happen in several areas, including employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations.

Missouri's Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibits disability discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Disability is defined under the MHRA as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities, a history of such an impairment, or being seen as having such an impairment.

According to the MHRA, employers cannot discriminate against job applicants or employees based on their disability. This prohibition extends beyond hiring and firing decisions and also includes job assignments, promotions, and training opportunities. Employers must also offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, such as modifying job duties or providing assistive devices, unless it creates an undue hardship.

Similarly, landlords in Missouri cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities in the rental or sale of housing. They cannot refuse to rent or sell, set different terms or conditions, or fail to provide reasonable accommodations or modifications that enable individuals with disabilities to use and enjoy the housing.

Lastly, public accommodations, such as restaurants, stores, and movie theaters, must provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. This includes making reasonable changes to policies and procedures and removing physical barriers to access.

If you believe you have been subjected to disability discrimination in Missouri, our lawyers can help you file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Are you suffering from disability discrimination? Call Riggan Law Firm, LLC today at (314) 684-8406 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Missouri disability discrimination lawyer!

Examples of Disability Discrimination

Examples of disability discrimination include:

• Termination or differential treatment of a worker because of their actual or perceived disability
• An employer failing to provide a "reasonable accommodation" for a worker with a disability
• An employer is failing to allow a leave of absence or failure to provide leniency on violations of an attendance policy for a disabled worker if the worker needs time off as a "reasonable accommodation," such as to obtain medical treatment
• Termination of a worker because of their association with a person who has a disability

Who Is Considered Disabled?

Federal and state law protects people who are "qualified individuals with a disability." They may include workers with either a physical or mental handicap or a record of an impairment that may limit major life activities. The United States Congress further passed a new law stating that all individuals who fall into the category of disability are protected.

Where Do You Report Discrimination in the Workplace?

To officially file the workplace discrimination claim, you must contact The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You may file the suit in person at the nearest EEOC office and file the claim by mail or online. A Charge of Discrimination can be completed through the online system after you submit an online inquiry and they interview you. To contact your local EEOC office, call1-800-669-4000 for voice access or the 1-800-669-6820 "TTY" number for deaf or speech-impaired individuals.

Contact Our Disability Discrimination Lawyer Today

An employer may not retaliate against an individual for opposing discriminatory behavior or for filing a charge of disability discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or equivalent state agency. An employer also may not penalize an employee for testifying or participating in any investigation, proceeding, or litigation under federal or state disability discrimination laws.

If you have been wrongfully discriminated against for your actual or perceived disability, you must contact Riggan Law Firm, LLC, as soon as possible. A dedicated and experienced discrimination attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and defend your rights to anti-discrimination in the workplace.

Contact Riggan Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a consultation with our disability discrimination attorney in Missouri!