Disability Lawyers in Indianapolis Help Protect and Fight for Your Rights
People with disabilities know all too well how taxing certain tasks or aspects of life can be as a result. Whether the disability is a mild one or something more impactful in terms of day-to-day life, individuals living with disabilities have the right to accommodations in certain settings such as workplaces, schools, or other public locations. There are many laws and regulations to protect the rights of the disabled, but it may be hard to remember them all or know when those rights have been violated. With the help of a knowledgeable disability lawyer, clients can find the justice they deserve for their individual cases.
Call The Law Office of Deidra N. Haynes today at 317-982-7396 for answers to your disability questions.
Can a Disability Lawyer Help with Workplace Discrimination?
One of the most common places for disability discrimination is within the workplace. While there are laws to protect workers with disabilities, they are not always followed. Disability discrimination in the workplace can take on many forms, with some being harder to spot than others. This is where an experienced disability lawyer may be able to help. An attorney will be able to tell a client if they have indeed been the victim of workplace discrimination with their disability as the reason. They will also be able to work with the client to form a case against the employer in regard to this type of discrimination. The disability lawyer will also serve as a liaison between the employee and the company while handling any issues of workplace retaliation during the case. From gathering information and handling paperwork to representing the client in a court of law against the employer or company, disability attorneys fight for their clients every step of the way in a disability workplace discrimination case.
Signs of Disability Discrimination
It is not always easy to spot the signs of disability discrimination. There are certain laws in place, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require employers to make accommodations for their disabled employees, but a lack of accommodations may look different based on the disability itself. Here are a few examples of disability discrimination faced by disabled employees:
- Refusal to hire or promote qualified individuals because of their disability.
- Firing a disabled employee or reducing hours based not on performance but on the basis of discrimination against their disability.
- Failure to offer appropriate accommodations under the guidelines of ADA or other ordinances to allow the employee the tools necessary to do the job. Examples of this would include but are not limited to not allowing for text to speech software, employee spaces that are wheelchair inaccessible, and not making modifications to training materials to accommodate disabilities.
- Workplace harassment or even physical threats based as a result of the disability.
Disability discrimination may come in other forms as well. If there are questions about whether or not the situation counts as legal disability discrimination, contacting an experienced disability attorney should be the first step.
What Other Cases Might a Disability Lawyer Handle?
While most cases are disability discrimination in the workplace, this is not the only type of case a disability lawyer may take on. Disabled individuals may need the skilled assistance of a disability lawyer for matters such as fighting against accusations of fraudulent disability claims, universities refusing to accommodate a particular disability, or the case of a disabled person where the disability intersects with another aspect of the client’s life and the client would prefer a lawyer with disability law experience. Disability lawyers do not just serve those with life-long disabilities. If a previously non-disabled person suddenly needs accommodations due to an injury or illness, a disability lawyer may be able to help them receive the help they need until the injury or illness no longer impacts daily life.
What to Expect When Working with a Disability Lawyer
If it is your first time hiring legal counsel, it can be overwhelming or confusing as to what you should expect. When working with a disability lawyer, it is important to remember that they are knowledgeable in areas of disability law and the best ways to fight for a chosen outcome. They will ask clients questions about the perceived discrimination or legal violation and gather information to put together a case if there is one there. A disability lawyer will work on your behalf to seek justice, which may come in proper accommodations, a monetary figure for lost wages, or some other outcome depending on the specifics of the case. They will answer any and all questions, provide legal counsel on the best plan of action, acts as a liaison between you and the employer or company, and represent you in a court of law.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
Many people worry about the cost of hiring a disability lawyer to help with their cases. However, it is important to consider what is being lost by not hiring professional legal counsel familiar with disability law and violations. Whether the loss is lost wages from being wrongfully terminated as a result of disability, the physical impacts of not having the appropriate accommodations in the workplace, or the emotional stress of figuring out your legal options on your own, the cost of a disability lawyer may be worth it in the end. The actual cost of a disability lawyer will vary from firm to firm, so clients should certainly discuss expected costs and fees upfront during the first meeting. In some scenarios, the cost of legal counsel far outweighs the negatives of refusing or postponing hiring an attorney. It is also worth noting that an attorney may be able to settle the issue faster, which may be a big factor for some cases and individuals.
Get the Help You Deserve Today
Every client deserves someone willing to fight for their rights. Finding a lawyer well-versed in the laws of disability rights can make a world of difference in the fight for justice. We are here to help and answer your questions at 317-982-7396. Contact us today to see how an experienced disability lawyer may be able to assist your case.