Being in an accident is a scary and challenging situation. It’s increasingly scary if the accident causes a disability. One stressor is the impact on your job and job status. Understanding your rights and the protections in place is essential.
Disability discrimination laws
In the United States, federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect disabled employees. These laws make it illegal for employers to fire someone solely because they have a disability. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations if you can still perform the essential duties of your job.
Reasonable accommodations
Employers must make reasonable accommodations to help employees with disabilities perform their jobs. These accommodations include adjustments to work schedules, modifications to workspaces, or the provision of specialized equipment. As long as these accommodations don’t cause undue hardship for the employer, they must implement them.
When termination is possible
However, there are situations where an employer might lawfully terminate an employee with a disability. Suppose your disability prevents you from performing the essential functions of your job, even with accommodations. In that case, your employer may have grounds to let you go. Additionally, termination might be considered if your condition makes it unsafe for you or others in the workplace.
Know your options
While federal laws protect employees with disabilities from being fired solely due to their condition, there are exceptions. Understanding your rights and communicating with your employer about possible accommodations is crucial to ensure you can continue working despite your disability.