San Francisco Reasonable Accommodations Attorney

Every employee deserves a fair and accessible workplace. In California, state and federal laws protect workers who need adjustments to perform their jobs effectively. A reasonable accommodation modifies a work environment so a qualified individual with a disability can participate equally in the workplace. Unfortunately, some employers ignore these requests or refuse to provide necessary support.

If you’re facing disability discrimination or a denied accommodation request, Bryan Schwartz Law, P.C. can help protect your rights and hold your employer accountable. Our San Francisco reasonable accommodations attorney has recovered tens of millions of dollars for thousands of employees nationwide. We fight hard to force corporations to change their unlawful practices.

Defining Disability Under California Law

California maintains strong protections for workers with physical or mental impairments. Under state standards, a disability is any condition that limits a major life activity. Major life activities include essential daily functions. Examples include:

• Seeing or hearing
• Walking or breathing
• Eating or taking care of yourself

If a medical condition limits one or more of these activities, you likely qualify for protection. The law requires employers to evaluate each situation individually to determine the appropriate level of support.

Performing Essential Job Functions

To qualify for an accommodation, you must be able to perform the essential functions of your role. These are the fundamental duties associated with your position. You have the right to request modifications that allow you to complete these core tasks effectively.

For example, a receptionist whose main duty is greeting guests might not reasonably be able to work from home five days a week. However, a data analyst who spends eight hours a day on a computer could reasonably request a remote work arrangement. The key is finding a solution that allows you to do your job safely and efficiently.

Engaging in the Interactive Process

When you request an adjustment, your employer must engage in a timely and good-faith interactive process. This is a collaborative dialogue between you and your company to identify potential solutions. During this process, you and your employer should:

• Discuss the specific limitations caused by your impairment
• Identify potential workplace modifications
• Assess the effectiveness of each proposed solution

Your employer cannot simply ignore your request or deny it without exploring viable options. If a company refuses to participate in this dialogue, it may violate California employment laws.

What Is Undue Hardship?

While employers must provide reasonable accommodations, they are not required to do so if it causes an undue hardship. An undue hardship occurs when a requested modification requires significant difficulty or expense.

Courts evaluate several factors to determine if a hardship exists. They look at the size of the business, its financial resources and the nature of the company operations.

How to Address Disability Discrimination

If your employer denies a valid request or retaliates against you, you have the right to take legal action. Workers must file complaints with the appropriate government agencies before filing a lawsuit. You can submit a claim to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Strict deadlines apply to these claims. Missing a deadline can completely destroy your chance to recover compensation. An experienced San Francisco employment attorney can guide you through this complex legal system. At Bryan Schwartz Law, P.C., our dedicated team has successfully litigated individual and class action complaints to stop unlawful corporate practices.

Contact Our San Francisco Reasonable Accommodations Attorney

Nobody should have to choose between their health and their livelihood. If your company refuses to honor your need for a workplace adjustment, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. Bryan Schwartz Law, P.C., is committed to serving mistreated workers in California. Reach out to our San Francisco reasonable accommodations attorney today.