What qualifies as a disability under California law?

A disability may include physical or mental conditions that limit a major life activity. California law often provides broader protections than federal law.

What is the interactive process?

The interactive process is a discussion between an employer and employee to determine appropriate reasonable accommodations.

Can my employer deny my accommodation request?

Employers may deny accommodations only if they can show it would create an undue hardship.

Can I be fired for having a medical condition?

No. Employers cannot terminate employees because of a disability or medical condition if the employee can perform the job with reasonable accommodations.

What should I do if my employer refuses to accommodate me?

Document your requests and communications, and speak with an employment lawyer to understand your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In many cases, employees have up to three years to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department.

Disability & Medical Leave Lawyer California

Disability & Medical Leave

Lawyer in California

Employees in California have the right to take medical leave and request reasonable accommodations for disabilities or serious health conditions. If your employer denied your rights, failed to accommodate your needs, or took action against you because of a medical condition, you may have a legal claim.

At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we represent employees across California facing disability discrimination and medical leave violations, helping them understand their rights and take appropriate legal action.

Disability Rights in the Workplace

Under California and federal law, employees with disabilities are protected from discrimination and are entitled to reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform their job.

A disability may include:

Physical conditions
Mental health conditions
Chronic illnesses
Temporary medical conditions in certain cases

Employers are required to engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations are changes to the work environment or job duties that allow an employee with a disability to perform their role.

Examples may include:

Modified work schedules
Remote or hybrid work arrangements
Leave of absence for medical treatment
Adjustments to job duties or responsibilities
Assistive equipment or workplace modifications

Employers must provide accommodations unless doing so would create an undue hardship.

Medical Leave Rights in California

Employees may be entitled to medical leave under laws such as:

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)

These laws may allow employees to take protected time off for their own serious health condition or to care for a family member.

Common Violations of Disability & Medical Leave Laws

Employers may violate the law by:

Failing to provide reasonable accommodations
Ignoring or delaying the interactive process
Denying valid medical leave requests
Terminating employment due to a disability
Retaliating against employees for requesting accommodations or leave
Failing to reinstate an employee after protected leave

Your Rights as an Employee in California

You have the right to:

Request reasonable accommodations for a disability
Take protected medical leave when eligible
Participate in the interactive process with your employer
Be free from discrimination and retaliation
Return to your position after protected leave (in many cases)

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your rights have been violated, you may be entitled to recover:

Lost wages and future earnings
Emotional distress damages
Loss of benefits
Legal fees and costs
Punitive damages in certain cases

How Haulk & Herrera LLP Can Help

Our firm helps employees navigate disability and medical leave claims with care and clarity. We provide:

Evaluation of your situation and legal rights
Guidance on documenting requests and employer responses
Representation in administrative claims and litigation
Strategic advocacy focused on achieving the best outcome

We understand how sensitive these situations can be and are here to support you throughout the process.

Why Choose Haulk & Herrera LLP

COMMUNICATION

Bilingual support available (Spanish-speaking attorney)

EXPERIENCE

Focused experience in California employment law

ATTENTION

Personalized attention to each case

ADVOCACY

Strong advocacy in and out of court

FAQs

Speak With a California Disability & Medical Leave Lawyer

If your employer has denied your rights related to a disability or medical leave, Haulk & Herrera LLP is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

CONTACT US