St. Louis Disability Discrimination Attorneys
Pursuing Justice for Employees with Disabilities in Missouri
If you live with a disability, you’re no stranger to the challenges that come with navigating daily life. Sadly, many employers exacerbate these challenges by discriminating against disabled individuals in the workplace. If you experienced adverse employment action because of your disability in St. Louis, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses.
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we believe that every employee is entitled to a safe and equitable work environment. Whether you were wrongfully passed up for a promotion or denied reasonable accommodations, our disability discrimination lawyers are committed to pursuing justice for disabled workers by holding unethical employers accountable. With our deep understanding of Missouri employment law and a proven track record of results, you can trust our attorneys to advocate for the fair settlement you deserve.
If you experienced disability discrimination in St. Louis, our nationally recognized attorneys can help you pursue justice. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation.
What Constitutes Disability Discrimination in the Workplace?
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of a disability, including discriminatory practices in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, benefits, and other conditions of employment.
Missouri law aligns with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities and must make reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
What Laws Protect Missouri Workers from Disability Discrimination?
Various state and federal laws protect workers from disability discrimination, including:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This federal law protects disabled workers in the workplace and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform their job duties, such as modifications to equipment, changes in work schedules, or adjustments to policies and procedures.
- Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA): This state law prohibits disability discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. It covers all employers with six or more employees.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This federal law allows employees to take unpaid leave for certain medical and family reasons, including caring for a family member with a serious health condition. It applies to employers with 50 or more employees.
Types of Disability Discrimination
Employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. In other words, your employer cannot treat you differently because of your disability, record of a disability, perceived disability, or the disability of a family member. Disability discrimination can take many forms in the workplace, making it all the more crucial to know your rights under state and federal law.
Common types of disability discrimination include:
- Terminating an employee because of their disability
- Denying reasonable accommodations under the ADA
- Denying FMLA leave to eligible workers with disabilities
- Wrongly denying a promotion or raise due to a disability
Don’t let an unethical employer get away with illegal behavior in St. Louis. Turn to a firm with proven results in disability discrimination lawsuits. Contact us online to discuss your case.
FAQs on Disability Discrimination
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How Long Do I Have to File a Disability Discrimination Claim in St. Louis?
If you are a victim of disability discrimination, time is of the essence. To recover compensation, you must file a claim within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act. Failure to file within this timeframe can prohibit you from seeking justice, making it imperative to secure experienced representation as soon as possible.
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Can I Represent Myself in a Disability Discrimination Case?
Disability discrimination can impose significant physical, emotional, and financial stress on affected employees. While it may be tempting to cut costs by waiving your right to a lawyer, working with an attorney can mean the difference between recovering compensation and walking away empty-handed.
When your health and economic security are at stake, don’t settle for less-than-experienced representation. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, our attorneys are nationally recognized as some of the best employment lawyers in the country. With over $10 million recovered for our clients, you can trust us to protect your rights from start to finish.
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How Long Does a Disability Lawsuit Take?
It depends on the case. While many disability discrimination lawsuits are settled outside of court within months, others can take several years to resolve. Some influencing factors include the potential for litigation, appeals, or employer or insurance disputes. Your attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect and work diligently to help you achieve a timely resolution.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
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