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Navigating the workplace with a disability can present unique challenges, but in California, you are protected by some of the most comprehensive anti-disability discrimination laws in the country.
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were passed to ensure you remain protected against barriers and discrimination in the workplace. But unfortunately, many employers don’t respect employee rights and take advantage of their disabled workers.
It is unlawful in California for an employer to consider your disability in employment-related decisions, such as hiring, firing, determining wages or not providing you with job benefits, common examples of illegal disability discrimination by your employer include:
If you feel your employer has discriminated against you because of your disability, below is a helpful guide in better understanding the legal protections you have in place.
Remember, everyone’s circumstance is different, so after reading below, give our experienced employment attorneys a call for a free consultation, or fill out our no-obligation consultation form so our attorneys can help walk you through your legal options.
The California FEHA prohibits employers with 5 or more employees from discriminating against employees based on their disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations to be made for those who are disabled, as long as the accommodations don’t impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of the business.
Under the FEHA, California employers are also required to engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with an employee who has a disability to determine effective accommodations. This can include, for example:
California law emphasizes the importance of communication between the employer and the employee to find practical solutions that enable the employee to continue performing his or her job effectively. It is illegal for a California employer to ignore this requirement and fail to engage in dialogue with you.
The ADA is a federal law that protects disabled workers and their immediate family members against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Under the ADA, with limited exceptions, employers with 15 or more employees cannot consider an employee’s disability in employment-related decisions.
While California’s robust FEHA laws serve as the main protecting force for California employees, the ADA adds a second set of protections against disability discrimination in the workplace.
Both the California FEHA and federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect employees against retaliation by their employer. Simply put, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for voicing your opposition to their discriminatory practices, or for filing a complaint about their discrimination.
This means you cannot be fired, demoted, harassed, or subjected to any adverse employment decision simply because you exercised your rights under the law.
Keep this in mind when making the decision to contact our offices – you’re legally protected from your employer retaliating against you while exercising your fundamental right to be free from racial discrimination.
$256,250
on behalf of plaintiff for sexual harassment and age discrimination
$425,000
on behalf of a class of 212 roofing installation workers
$145,460
on behalf of plaintiffs for race discrimination and wrongful termination
$225,000
on behalf of a class of 95 warehouse workers
$460,000
on behalf of a class of 629 medical office employees
$197,500
on behalf of a plaintiff for sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination
$185,000
on behalf of a class of 86 fire protection installation workers
$135,000
on behalf of a plaintiff for race discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination
$95,000
on behalf of a plaintiff for disability discrimination and wrongful termination
“This testimonial is for Sam Rezvani at Venture Law. If you are reading this, do not hesitate to have a consultation with Mr. Rezvani. I was employed by my former employer for a touch short of 30 years when new management acquired our company and laid me off one month later. They didn’t even have the gal to provide a 2-week notice. Needless to say, I was shocked and devastated. From the outset, Sam asked all the right questions, remembered every detail when we connected (including those I assumed were unimportant), and kept me apprised of case status as he worked it along. You must maintain a certain level of trust here, as the legal world is one in which most of us have little to no experience. I’ve disliked my share of attorneys throughout my career, but Sam is quite clearly not a “typical” attorney. He does a wonderful job walking you along and pointing out where he sees speedbumps, forks in the road, and the ultimate destination when the dust settles. He was spot on all the way through. I’m retired now, and the settlement he recouped for me immensely improved my quality of life. Should you need employment law services, you’ll want Mr. Rezvani in your corner.”
Richard H.
“I have utilized the assistance of Sam Rezvani and Venture Law for a variety of issues in recent months and with each instance I have come away more impressed. The care and attention is unmatched; it comes across in each interaction just how much Sam truly knows, understands and cares. He is thoughtful and thorough, measured and enthusiastic about his craft and his handling of each specific need. The information and guidance provided were top notch and Sam has entrenched himself as a true ally in all legal aspects. Venture Law and Sam in particular offer a boutique feel with big firm knowledge; I cannot recommend them enough.”
Chris N.
“Attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was my lawyer. Not sure about the other attorneys there because Sam was the only one I dealt with but can say he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He knew exactly how the company was going to lie its way out of what happened and he cut them off from the start. I ended up getting paid IMMEDIATELY and didn’t even have to file a lawsuit.”
Jose R.
“I’ll keep it short and sweet. Professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and overall fantastic guys on your side. If that’s what you want in your lawyers, call them.”
Viken N.
“I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without Mr. Rezvani. Was in a really dark place in my life when I reached out to him. He gave me legal advice but what I really liked was that he gave me practical advice too. He gave me the courage to polish up my resume and find another job, and let me know he would take care of my case as my lawyer. I vividly remember him saying “that’s my job.” And it’s the best decision I ever made. Got back on my feet and ended up getting compensated for my ex-boss’s discrimination. Can’t disclose how much I got because I signed a confidentiality agreement but all I can say is that it was worth the wait!”
Victoria N.
“From the start I knew Mr. Rezvani was the attorney I was looking for. This was the first time I needed an attorney. He took the time to answer all my questions and was super clear about how he thought things would go. Didn’t really require much on my end, which was a plus. He kept me updated with how things were going and let me know when I should take the settlement the company was offering. At first, I felt it was too low but he told me the risks of not taking it and guess what? The company shut down 1 month after I got paid!! Still can’t believe how close that was. Trust in Mr. Rezvani and thank me later!”
Edward F.
“Cannot recommend Venture Law highly enough. Was in a tight spot being fired from my job but I knew I had a legit case cuz everyone knows you can’t trust your bosses haha. Am I right?? So I reached out to Venture and spoke with Mr. Rezvani at my free consultation and he laid out my options. Mr. Rezvani was realistic about what he could do which was key. I asked him if he could get me a million dollars and he laughed haha. Didn’t feel like he was BSing me cuz I hate that feeling. I signed up with him and even though it took hella long to settle up Mr. Rezvani already told me to expect that and I’m glad I stuck it out with them. He got me way more $ than I expected and best part was I already found a new job so the settlement was a like a big bonus. Thank you again Mr. Rezvani!”
Nate O.
“Trust me, have your free consultation with Venture Law. What do you have to lose? It’s free, you get to speak with an attorney one on one, and it doesn’t cost you anything unless they settle for you. They only get a percentage of what their able to settle. Again, what do you have to lose? At least that’s how I saw it. He told me it might take a while to see any money but all I had to do was sit tight, answer some questions and sign some documents every now and then and I got paid. I can say Sam is an honest attorney and I never felt sold with him. Hope I don’t need him again but now I know I have an attorney I can personally call if I ever need legal advice at work. Worth the wait.”
Andres A.
“Mr. Rezvani is the man! I don’t usually leave reviews but my attorney came through for me and I had to let everyone know. If you want to sue your employer, reach out to Mr. Rezvani and don’t hesitate to sign up with him. Hope I never need a lawyer again (Sorry Mr. Rezvani!) but if I do I know where I’m calling.”
Saleem B.
“My husband encouraged me to call attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law after I got fired on my maternity leave. I didn’t think I had a case because I’d read you can be fired during maternity leave if the company has a good business reason (do yourself a favor and don’t search the internet for legal advice). I’m also so busy with my baby that I was ready to just forget about it all and move on. On my consultation, Sam explained the company was just using that as an excuse to keep me from suing. He ended up settling my case and I’ve already sent my friend to Sam after she was discriminated by her HR too. I hear she’s going to win and I know she’s happy with Venture Law too. Hopefully she can give a review too, you guys deserve it!”
Doris P.
“I needed an attorney for a complex employment case and was fortunate to find Sam at Venture Law. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, he and his team were professional, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. They took the time to understand every detail of my situation, and I felt informed and supported throughout the entire process. Their approach and hard work resulted in an outstanding settlement. It was worth the wait. I couldn’t have asked for better representation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional service and results provided by Sam and his firm!”
Christine S.
“Working with Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was a better, easier experience than I had expected. This was the second time in my life that I needed to call on the help of an Attorney, the first was a divorce which was miserable and then this event which was highly unexpected. From the first call, Sam was attentive and understanding of my situation. He explained the law and my options clearly and I never felt pushed one way or another. Throughout my case, Sam kept me informed of each step and the outcome. He stayed in contact with the other party as necessary to ensure deadlines or commitments were kept. Communication was easy and I always felt comfortable discussing my case or asking questions. It was my personal choice from the beginning to resolve my case in mediation if possible. Sam had the experience, resources, and skills to negotiate on my behalf and to secure the best possible mediator for a positive outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam Rezvani at Venture Law to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, honest, and reliable Attorney.”
Nancy O.