Disability Discrimination Lawyers in Virginia
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of a disability, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Disability discrimination in the workplace is illegal under both federal and Virginia law. Unfortunately, it still happens far too often.
At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees across Virginia who have experienced disability-based discrimination, denial of accommodations, or retaliation for asserting their rights. Our mission is to protect your livelihood and ensure that your workplace treats you with fairness and dignity.
What Is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a physical or mental impairment. This can include:
- Refusing to hire a qualified candidate
- Firing or demoting an employee due to a disability
- Denying reasonable accommodations
- Failing to engage in the interactive process
- Harassment or ridicule related to a disability
- Retaliation for requesting accommodations or filing a complaint
Employers are required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause “undue hardship.”
Federal and State Laws That Protect You
Several laws prohibit disability discrimination and require reasonable accommodations:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA protects employees with disabilities in workplaces with 15 or more employees. It requires employers to:
- Refrain from discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, and job assignments
- Provide reasonable accommodations that enable the employee to perform the essential functions of the job
- Engage in an “interactive process” to determine appropriate accommodations
A covered disability under the ADA is any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity (e.g., walking, speaking, seeing, working, learning, etc.).
Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)
Virginia law mirrors many of the protections of the ADA and applies to employers with five or more employees. It prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and certain medical conditions, including pregnancy-related issues.
What Are Reasonable Accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is a change or adjustment to the job or workplace that enables an employee with a disability to perform essential job duties. Examples include:
- Modified work schedules
- Additional breaks
- Ergonomic equipment
- Remote work arrangements
- Reassignment to a vacant position
- Leave for medical treatment or recovery
Employers do not have to provide accommodations that would create an undue hardship (significant difficulty or expense), but they cannot deny an accommodation without first exploring alternatives.
How Do You Prove Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination claims often rely on documentation and evidence showing:
- You have a qualifying disability
- You are able to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without reasonable accommodations
- Your employer knew about your disability
- You were subjected to adverse treatment (e.g., termination, demotion, denial of leave) because of your disability or accommodation request
If you’ve experienced this type of treatment, it’s important to document everything—emails, performance reviews, internal complaints, and medical records—and consult with an employment attorney as soon as possible.
Retaliation Is Also Illegal
It is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee who:
- Requests an accommodation
- Files an internal or external complaint
- Participates in an investigation
- Supports another employee’s disability rights
If you’ve been punished, harassed, or fired for speaking up, you may have a strong claim for retaliation.
How The Mundaca Law Firm Can Help
We understand the emotional and financial toll of being mistreated at work due to a disability. Our firm offers personalized legal counsel, strategic advocacy, and a deep understanding of disability rights under federal and state law.
Our Services Include:
- Legal evaluation of your disability discrimination claim
- Assistance with accommodation requests and employer negotiations
- Filing EEOC or Virginia Human Rights Act complaints
- Representation in settlement negotiations and litigation
- Protecting your job or seeking damages for unlawful termination
We are committed to holding employers accountable and helping you restore both your career and your confidence.
Possible Outcomes in a Disability Discrimination Case
If your case is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to your job
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages in severe cases
- Changes to workplace policies and practices
- Legal fees and costs
Stand Up for Your Rights—We’ll Stand with You
You deserve to work in an environment that values your contributions, not one that punishes you for your health conditions. At The Mundaca Law Firm, we stand with Virginia employees who’ve been mistreated due to a disability—and we’re ready to help you take action.
Call Today for a Confidential Consultation
- Phone: (202) 474-8500
- Website: www.mundacalaw.com
- Offices: Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, MD
- Serving: Employees across Virginia and the D.C. metro area
Let’s talk about your situation and what we can do to help you protect your rights and move forward.