ARTHRITIS AT WORK: HOW CALIFORNIA MEDICAL DISABILITY ATTORNEYS PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
There are many types of arthritis, whether it is Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or even Septic arthritis. All kinds of arthritis can be debilitating and disabling when it comes to common tasks in the workplace. However, this does not mean that your employer has a right to discriminate against you or fire you due to your disability. Under Federal laws and California State Laws, Arthritis is a medical disability that is protected from discrimination. As such, you have a right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace that allow you to complete the tasks of your work, while accepting your disability.
To start with, you must disclose your disability to your employer. Your employer cannot help you if they do not know about your disability. Start by arranging for a meeting with your direct supervisor to tell them about your Arthritis and how it affects your work. This may mean that you complete tasks more slowly, or that you need breaks from repetitive motions such as typing or filing. Even adjusting your desk space and using a wrist bar when typing can be accommodations for your Arthritis. You should then arrange for an accommodations request with your employer. This means that you both discuss and arrange simple accommodations that will allow you to complete your job adequately, while taking into account the disability. Your employer is bound by law to make reasonable accommodations including missing work for doctor’s appointments, and giving you more time to complete painful tasks.
As long as your accommodations do not place an undue burden on your employer, they must make a reasonable effort to help you. If they do not, or you find that they are harassing you about your work, your disability, or even retaliating against you after you disclose your medical disability, you may be the victim of discrimination and harassment. If you have had problems after you tried to make your reasonable accommodations request to your employer, call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and how one of our experienced employment lawyers may be able to help you.
