Understanding Disability Discrimination in Torrance
When an individual in Torrance is treated unfairly or unequally because of their disability, this is referred to as disability discrimination. Under both California state and federal law, individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal treatment in all areas of public life, including the workplace, education, housing, and accessing public services. Some of the main forms of disability discrimination include:
- Exclusion.
- Harassment.
- Failure to accommodate.
- Unequal access.
- Termination.
Keys Laws in Torrance Protecting Against Disability Discrimination
There are many laws that protect against disability discrimination. The key laws that govern this topic throughout California include:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act: This is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination in areas of public life such as education, transportation, government services, public accommodations, employment, and telecommunications.
- Fair Employment and Housing Act: In California, FEHA covers more employees than the ADA. Under this law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone due to physical or mental disability in employment, housing, or public accommodations. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and protect them against any form of discrimination.
- California Unruh Civil Rights Act: This law prohibits all forms of discrimination from all businesses, including those that provide accommodations. This act ensures those with disabilities have equal opportunities to public facilities, services, and goods. Significant damages can be the penalty if this law is violated.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Discrimination based on disability by any program receiving federal financial assistance is prohibited by this federal law. Under this law, institutions and businesses are required to take steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included and not discriminated against.
What Is Considered Disability Discrimination in Torrance?
There are many different settings where disability discrimination can occur, such as:
- Employment Discrimination: Employers in Torrance are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These may include modifying the work environment, adjusting their hours, or providing specialized equipment. Failure to provide these, failure to hire, or terminating without cause can be classified as disability discrimination.
- Housing Discrimination: Both state and federal regulations must be followed by housing providers, requiring them to offer reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities. This can include allowing service animals or adjusting the layout to fit a wheelchair. Disability discrimination in this setting might also involve charging higher rent to disabled tenants, denying accommodations, or refusing to rent.
- Education Discrimination: Educational institutions must make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. This may include extra time on an exam, physical adjustments to classrooms, and accessible learning materials. Other discriminatory practices in this setting may be failing to admit a student based on their disability or failing to provide necessary support.
- Access to Public Services and Accommodations: Public facilities and businesses must be accessible to individuals with disabilities in Torrance. Denial of access to a business or public facility because of one’s disability is considered discrimination. Inaccessible public transportation, failure to provide wheelchair ramps, and not accommodating those who are hearing or visually impaired can all be examples of discrimination.
Why You Need a Disability Discrimination Lawyer
Consulting with an experienced disability discrimination lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success in a legal claim if you have experienced disability discrimination in Torrance. There are several reasons to hire one of these attorneys, including:
- Guidance on the law
- Knowledgeable identification of legal violations
- Thorough collection of evidence
- Assistance with paperwork
- Confident settlement negotiation
- Litigation experience
FAQs
What Is Disability Harassment?
Unwelcome and offensive behavior toward someone with a disability in the workplace is considered disability harassment. Examples of this include negative or offensive remarks about someone’s disability, inappropriate verbal and physical conduct, intimidating behaviors, or creating a hostile environment. Disability harassment is illegal, and action can be taken against parties who participate in or fail to address this behavior.
What Are Signs of Disability Discrimination?
There are many signs of disability discrimination that take place in various settings. These include failure to make reasonable adjustments, harassment, lack of accommodations, retaliation, denial of a job, mistreatment, and encouraging someone to retire. If you believe you are a victim of disability discrimination, you may need to consult with an experienced lawyer.
What Is an Example of a Disability Discrimination Case?
An example of disability discrimination would be refusing to hire someone because they are visually impaired and require a service dog. Denying a person of their disability accommodation is illegal and considered discrimination. In many instances, the person who has been discriminated against can choose to file a claim for these types of actions.
What Remedies Can Be Used for Disability Discrimination?
There are several remedies that can be used for disability discrimination. These include compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. Discussing these options with a lawyer can help you figure out exactly what compensation you may be entitled to for any sort of disability discrimination you have fallen victim to.
Contact Nosrati Law, A Professional Law Corporation
It can be extremely difficult, both mentally and physically, to experience disability discrimination. This behavior is illegal in most settings in California, and when someone becomes a victim of this sort of behavior, they have the option to pursue legal consequences. If you believe that you suffered from disability discrimination, it is time to get in touch with an experienced lawyer.
The Torrance disability discrimination lawyers at Nosrati Law, A Professional Law Corporation, have experience working on cases like these. Our attorneys have the knowledge that is necessary to guide you through the legal landscape of pursuing compensation for this type of discrimination and covering any damages you may have lost.
If you have questions or need help figuring out your options, give our office a call today for an initial consultation. Our legal team is ready to help you through the entire legal process.
