OVER
recovered for our employment law cases
Disability discrimination in the workplace is an unfortunate reality for many Boston residents. If you have a disability and have been denied equal employment opportunities or equal treatment in the workplace, you may have been subjected to unlawful discrimination.
The experienced Boston disability discrimination lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg are here to help. With over 20 years of experience successfully representing clients in disability bias cases, we have deep knowledge of Massachusetts’ constantly evolving disability discrimination laws and the relentless work ethic to fight for your rights. Don’t suffer in silence; contact our attorneys today for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Joseph & Norinsberg as Your Boston Disability Discrimination Lawyer?
- Our Boston Disability Discrimination Lawyer: Caitlin Duffy
- Understanding Disability Discrimination in Boston
- Damages Available For Disability Discrimination in Boston
- Taking Action Against Disability Discrimination in Boston
- Rights of Individuals Facing Disability Discrimination in Boston Workplaces
- Trust Joseph & Norinsberg With Your Disability Discrimination Case
Why Choose Joseph & Norinsberg as Your Boston Disability Discrimination Lawyer?
At Joseph & Norinsberg, our goal is to provide stellar and tenacious legal representation for each and every client. We are passionate about representing the underdog. When you come to us, we will listen, we will investigate, and if you have a case, we will fight relentlessly to get you justice.
You deserve to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment. But the reality is these issues plague workplaces across the city. Here at Joseph & Norinsberg, we understand the frustration and anger of being wronged at work. That’s why we offer aggressive, results-oriented employment law representation tailored to Boston’s unique legal landscape.
- Local Experience: Our partner, Michael Minkoff, is a proud Boston College graduate, deeply familiar with the city’s work culture and legal nuances.
- Proven Track Record: We don’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk. We’ve helped countless Boston employees like you secure fair pay, equal treatment, and a safe work environment.
- Relentless Advocacy: We fight tirelessly for your rights. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll of workplace injustice. We offer personalized attention and clear communication throughout the legal process so you never feel alone during this challenging time.
Our Boston Disability Discrimination Lawyer: Caitlin Duffy
Disability discrimination attorney Caitlin Duffy has successfully represented many clients in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Caitlin is passionate about fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities to be free from discrimination in the workplace.
Caitlin understands the challenges individuals with disabilities face at work and the emotional distress caused by discriminatory treatment. Working tirelessly to hold employers accountable and pursue the justice our clients deserve, Caitlin provides compassionate counsel and clear communication at every step.
Thank you very much for your hard work!"
Our Employment Case Results
Our firm is proud of our settlements and judgments won for our satisfied clients, such as the following:
- We secured a $475,000 settlement for an employee wrongfully terminated while on medical leave for a severe health issue.
- Partner John Meehan represented a hedge fund executive in a disability discrimination case. By skillfully leveraging the prospect of arbitration, we negotiated a significantly enhanced severance package, ultimately securing $3,000,000 for our client.
- Partner Bennitta Joseph obtained a $1,374,000 settlement from St. Barnabas Hospital in a disability discrimination case.
Understanding Disability Discrimination in Boston
Disability discrimination involves treating qualified individuals unfavorably because of a disability. Both state and federal laws prohibit disability discrimination in the workplace. Both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B protect employees and job applicants in Boston from disability bias.
Disability discrimination takes many forms, some overt and some more subtle. The following are some examples of unlawful disability discrimination:
- Refusing to hire or promote qualified candidates because of their disability
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s disability
- Harassment or intimidation in the workplace related to disability
- Wrongful termination because of an actual or perceived disability
Employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations that allow employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions as long as the accommodations do not impose undue hardship. Accommodations may include modifications like flexible scheduling, assistive equipment, or telework options.
If an employer fails to offer and implement effective accommodations or denies a qualified applicant employment based on a disability, they may be liable for disability discrimination.
Damages Available For Disability Discrimination in Boston
Disability discrimination has significant financial consequences for employers. Damages may be agreed upon in settlement negotiations or awarded by a judge. Remedies available to plaintiffs include the following:
- Compensatory damages for lost wages, benefits, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages in cases of especially egregious discrimination
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
- Reinstatement or promotion
- Changes to employer policies and procedures
Monetary damages in disability discrimination cases can easily reach six or seven figures depending on lost income and the severity of the discriminatory conduct. Our Boston disability discrimination lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for clients since our founding.
Taking Action Against Disability Discrimination in Boston
If you believe you have experienced disability discrimination in a Boston workplace, prompt legal action is critical for protecting your rights.
Start by documenting any discriminatory incidents, such as being denied a promotion or reasonable accommodations. Save emails, performance reviews, or other evidence. Then, report the discriminatory treatment to human resources and management through proper channels.
Under Massachusetts law, you must file a discrimination claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination within 300 days of an unlawful act. Thus, it’s critical to get started as soon as possible.
If you’re considering filing a claim, consult an experienced Boston disability discrimination attorney about your legal options. An attorney can negotiate with the employer or file a claim or lawsuit if necessary. If we cannot reach a settlement, our team can guide you through mediation or litigation. We will not hesitate to take your case to court if needed.
Do not delay seeking legal help. The sooner you contact our Boston disability discrimination lawyers, the better we can position your case for fair compensation. We offer free consultations, so contact us today by calling 212-227-5700 or going online.
Rights of Individuals Facing Disability Discrimination in Boston Workplaces
State and federal laws provide robust protections from disability discrimination to Boston employees and job applicants. In Massachusetts, two key laws safeguard your rights:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits disability discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodations nationwide. This Act applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
- Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws outlaws disability bias in the workplace. It applies to employers with six or more employees.
Notably, the state law applies to some private employers and certain medical conditions not covered by the ADA.
Under these laws, you have the following rights:
- Equal opportunities for hiring, promotion, training, benefits, and other terms of employment
- Reasonable accommodations that allow you to perform your job duties
- An interactive process with your employer to find appropriate accommodations
- Protection from retaliation for reporting disability discrimination.
- The right to file a discrimination charge with the MCAD or EEOC
- The right to sue for disability discrimination under state and federal law under certain circumstances
Facing disability bias at work can make you feel powerless. But our Boston disability discrimination lawyers will empower you to stand up for your rights.
Trust Joseph & Norinsberg With Your Disability Discrimination Case
If you have faced disability discrimination in a Boston workplace, the experienced employment lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg can help. We have over 20 years of experience fighting for employee rights in disability bias cases. Let us review your situation and discuss your legal options for seeking justice.
Call us today at 212-227-5700 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Bennitta Joseph is an experienced New York City sexual assault attorney with over seventeen years of experience litigating cases involving workplace harassment. She takes on cases with uncompromising dedication, patience, and a relentless desire to achieve justice.
Disability Discrimination Case
We defended 12 individuals facing discrimination and retaliation based on race and gender in the workplace.
Racial Discrimination Case
We secured compensation for New Jersey factory workers who were denied sick leave benefits guaranteed by the law.
