If you’re an employee with a disability, the law is on your side. Both federal and New Jersey employment laws require that employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. So what happens when your employer says no?
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help individuals stand up for their rights when their workplace fails to meet legal standards. If your employer has denied a legitimate accommodation request, you may be entitled to legal remedies, including compensation or job reinstatement.
What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the usual way things are done, that enables a person with a disability to perform essential job functions. Examples include:
- Modified work schedules
- Remote work options
- Specialized equipment or software
- Accessible restrooms or workspace adjustments
- Time off for medical treatment or recovery
Employers are required to provide these accommodations unless doing so would create an undue hardship — meaning significant difficulty or expense in relation to the size and resources of the business.
What Laws Protect You?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) are two powerful statutes that prohibit discrimination based on disability. These laws also protect workers who request accommodations from retaliation or mistreatment.
Under the law, your employer is obligated to engage in an “interactive process” — an open dialogue about your needs and how they can be met. Simply ignoring your request or denying it without discussion violates this requirement.
Signs of Unlawful Refusal
Your employer may be breaking the law if they:
- Reject your accommodation request without discussion
- Claim you’re unfit to work solely due to your disability
- Fail to respond or delay action for an unreasonable time
- Retaliate after your request (e.g., reduce hours, deny promotions, or terminate)
Steps to Take If Your Request Is Denied
If your employer refuses to accommodate your disability, take action:
- Document all communications regarding your request
- Request a written explanation for the denial
- Keep copies of performance reviews and job descriptions
- Consult an experienced employment attorney to explore legal remedies
Depending on your case, you may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR), or file a lawsuit for damages.
You Don’t Have to Fight Alone
Dealing with a disability is challenging enough without facing unlawful treatment at work. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’ve helped many New Jersey workers protect their rights and achieve positive outcomes. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you hold your employer accountable for their obligations.
To learn more about your rights when your employer refuses to accommodate your disability, contact us for a confidential consultation today.
Contact Information
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC:
Our Employment Lawyers represent individuals and employees throughout the state of New Jersey. Our firm handles cases in both State and Federal Court involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, misclassification of independent contractors, whistleblower violations, pregnancy leave, and all other lawsuits involving NJ Employment laws.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC aims to be the first call that you make when you are presented with a legal issue. Our firm will assess your potential claim and determine whether it is a matter that we can handle on your behalf. In the event that it is something we cannot handle, we will provide you with references to make sure that you receive the best possible legal representation.
