$425,000.00 – Disability Discrimination Case

This New York disability discrimination settlement shows how claims under federal, state and city law can be resolved through negotiation and mediation. Below, you will find a summary of the matter, a plain-English overview of the laws involved, and steps you can take if you are facing something similar.

Firm represented a female staff member against her former employer for disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law. After sending a demand letter and engaging in mediation, the Firm negotiated a settlement of $425,000.00. Alexander T. Coleman handled the matter for the Firm.

What This Type of Claim Involves

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law. In general, it bars employers from treating qualified workers unfairly because of a disability. It also requires reasonable accommodations, such as an adjusted schedule or modified duties, unless the change would cause the employer undue hardship.

The New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law add their own protections. New York laws include guidelines that exceed the federal laws in anti-discriminatory policies, and the City law is often read broadly to protect people who work in New York City.

Under these laws, an employer is generally expected to talk with a worker who asks for an accommodation and to consider reasonable options in good faith. Punishing someone for asking for an accommodation or for complaining about discrimination may also be unlawful.

Disability discrimination can include firing, demotion, refusing a reasonable accommodation, or harassment tied to a health condition. You can learn more in our guide to what rights disabled workers have.

If This Happened to You

Every situation is different, and this page is general information, not legal advice. If you believe you were treated unfairly because of a disability, these steps can help:

1. Write down what happened, with dates and the names of the people involved.
2. Save emails, texts, performance reviews and any accommodation requests you made.
3. Keep copies of any medical notes or other documents you gave your employer.
4. Avoid signing a severance agreement or release before having it reviewed.
5. Act promptly, since legal deadlines can apply to discrimination claims.

Our overview of disability rights in the workplace explains more. To talk about your situation, call Borrelli & Associates at (516) 248-5550 for a free consultation.

Prior results do not ensure a similar outcome.