You are ready to return after an injury, but your doctor has placed limits on what you can do. Then your employer says you cannot come back until you are “100% healed.” That one-size-fits-all rule may conflict with Washington disability law. If you can do the main...
Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.
Year: 2026
Do you need a doctor’s note for pregnancy accommodations?
You are pregnant, your body is changing and a few workplace adjustments could make your day safer and more manageable. Then a manager asks for a doctor's note first. Is that allowed? In Washington, many common requests need no note. Knowing which ones do can help you...
Can an employer base a job decision on your accent?
National origin discrimination is commonly reported in the workplace. And a significant percentage of the cases involve accent. Many employees and job applicants report being treated unfavorably because of their accent. For example, they are not hired, passed over for...
When workplace exclusion becomes disability discrimination
Not every unpleasant or exclusionary workplace is a discriminatory one. Co-workers are generally free to choose whom they join for lunch, socialize with after work or consider a friend. Feeling left out can make a job miserable, but cliques and personality conflicts...
Obstacles to consider when reporting pregnancy discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination at work is a serious issue for many employees in Washington. Laws protect pregnant workers, but reporting discrimination can still be difficult. Knowing what challenges may arise can help you prepare before taking action. Fear of retaliation...
Can your employer cut working hours because you are pregnant?
Finding out you are about to become a mother is one of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. For women who strive to balance their professional and personal life, the last thing they want to know is that their working hours have been slashed. If the employer...
Can employers require English at work in Washington?
Many employees speak more than one language at work. You may wonder whether your employer can require everyone to speak only English during the workday. The answer depends on why the rule exists and how the employer applies it. In some situations, an English-only...
Potential evidence in discrimination cases
If you are facing discrimination at work, you may be interested in gathering evidence to support your claim. For instance, maybe you believe you have experienced racial discrimination and want to pursue a case against your employer. You know you’ve been treated...
What rights do pregnant employees have in Washington?
Pregnancy should not force you to choose between your health and your career. Federal and Washington state laws protect pregnant employees from discrimination and require many employers to provide reasonable accommodations that allow them to continue working safely....
Can a warehouse fire you after a workplace injury?
A sudden injury while moving heavy freight or operating warehouse equipment can change your life in an instant. You may face severe physical pain, unexpected medical bills and deep anxiety about your job security. Many hourly laborers fear that reporting a hurt back...