Attorney Advertising. The Spiggle Law Firm: Alexandria, Virginia (principal office, 3601 Eisenhower Ave, Suite 425) and Richmond, Virginia. Responsible attorney: Tom Spiggle, licensed in Virginia.
Virginia disability rights lawyers for employees
Facing disability discrimination at work?
If a disability, a past disability, or an accommodation request is affecting your job, start with a clearer next step. The Spiggle Law Firm represents employees—not employers.
- Virginia employee representation
- Disability and accommodation concerns
- Workplace deadlines can matter
- Focused employment law advocacy
A high-level summary is enough to begin. Do not send Social Security numbers, medical records, passwords, or employer records through the questionnaire.
Employees only
Employment law focused
Timelines can matter
Disability discrimination at work
Your workplace concern deserves a careful look.
Disability discrimination can involve an unfair hiring, firing, discipline, pay, promotion, or other employment decision because of a disability or past disability. Some conditions may be temporary, including mental-health conditions such as depression, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder. Whether a law applies depends on the facts.
The situation you are facing
Start with what changed at work.
You do not need to decide which legal label fits before you contact us.
A disability, past disability, or perceived disability affected a workplace decision
You need a change at work to perform essential job duties
You were denied leave, a schedule change, or a temporary lifting restriction
You were treated differently because of a family member's disability
An employer asked disability-related questions or required an exam
You were disciplined in connection with alcohol use or a workplace policy
What to do now
A practical place to begin.
The right path can depend on your employer, the decision at issue, and the dates involved. Take a clear first step before an important time limit passes.
- 1
Document what happened
Keep a dated, factual record. If you report discrimination or request an accommodation, consider doing so in writing and retain a copy.
- 2
Watch the timeline
Discrimination charges can have short deadlines. If you have been fired, contact the EEOC to learn about its process. An EEOC charge may need to be filed within 180 days of an alleged act, depending on the circumstances.
- 3
Share the key facts
Answer the short intake questionnaire or call us. Our intake team reviews the information and identifies an appropriate next step.
Common questions
Disability rights at work.
What can be a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a workplace change that may enable a qualified employee to perform essential job functions. Depending on the facts, it can include time to recover from an injury, a temporary lifting restriction, a schedule change for regular medical appointments, or a quieter work environment. An employer may raise undue hardship, which can involve significant difficulty or expense in light of its resources, structure, and the nature of the accommodation.
Can an employer treat me differently because of someone else's disability?
The ADA can prohibit discrimination based on an employee's relationship with a person who has a disability. For example, an employer may not make a decision based on an assumption that caring for a disabled spouse will affect job performance or require too much leave.
When may an employer ask about a disability or require a medical examination?
Rules can differ before an offer, after an offer, and during employment. Disability-related questions and examinations can be limited; during employment, job-relatedness and business necessity can matter. The facts and the stage of employment are important.
Does alcoholism receive protection under the ADA?
Alcoholism can be a disability under the ADA, but it does not excuse failure to meet workplace performance or conduct standards. Current illegal drug use is treated differently under federal disability law. The facts of a workplace decision matter.
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