Simi Valley, California – Employment Attorneys
Through a relentless and aggressive approach, the attorneys at Stephen Danz and Associates as well as their affiliates represent clients throughout California, and especially those in cities like Simi Valley. Our employment attorneys in Simi Valley have a work ethic and dedication that has garnered us recognition among many in the industry. For over forty years, we have been, and continue to be, the go-to employment attorneys for employees who want justice in the workplace. In addition, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of thousands of employees across California in cases ranging from discrimination and retaliation to harassment and whistleblowing. Workplace violations do not stop even after all of the state and federal law protections put in place by our government. Accordingly, your advocates should show no mercy and hold no punches to provide you the representation that you deserve with prompt and direct communication and transparency throughout the entire process.
Our law office regularly advises individuals who have cases or know someone who has a case. We offer complimentary consultations. Either fill out the in-take form or call our office. Below, we list some of the recent questions we received from clients, and look forward to helping you with your case.
How Does the Fair Employment and Housing Act Protect Against Disability Discrimination?
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived physical disability, mental disability, or medical condition. FEHA’s definition of disability – FEHA defines a disability as a physical or mental disability or medical condition that limits a major life activity. (Cal. Gov. Code § 12926.1(c).) Under Castro-Ramirez v. Dependable Highway Express, Inc., 246 Cal. App. 4th 180, 195 (Cal. App. 2d Dist. 2016), disability also includes an association with a disabled person. The definition of “major life activity” under the FEHA is to be broadly construed and includes physical, mental, and social activities, and working. (Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(j)(1)(C) and (m)(1)(B)(iii); Cal. Gov. Code § 12926.1(c).)
A “physical disability” under FEHA includes an impairment of a system of the body, such as the following:
- Neurological system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Reproductive system
- Digestive system
- Immunological system
- Endocrine system
(Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(m).)
The definition of “medical condition” under the FEHA includes:
- Any health impairment related to or associated with a diagnosis, record, or history of cancer –or–
- Genetic characteristics
(Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(i).)
The definition of “mental disability” under the FEHA includes the following:
- Intellectual disability
- Organic brain syndrome
- Emotional or mental illness
- Specific learning disabilities
- Any other mental or psychological disorder that requires special education or services
- Having a history of a mental or psychological disorder
- Being regarded by an employer as having or having had any mental condition that makes achievement of a major life activity difficult
(Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(j).)
Examples of physical and mental disabilities under the FEHA include, but are not limited to, the following:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorder
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart disease
(Cal. Gov. Code § 12926.1(c).)
The definition of physical or mental disabilities under the FEHA does not include the following:
- Sexual behavior disorders
- Compulsive gambling
- Kleptomania
- Pyromania
- Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from the unlawful use of controlled substances
(Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(j)(5) and (m)(6).)
Questions About Any of the Material
If you have questions about any of the information above or the material on our website, call our office. Stephen Danz and Associates’ Simi Valley, California employment attorneys handle cases on behalf of local employees who have experienced discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, unequal pay, and retaliation and their employment rights were violated. Our experienced and dedicated attorneys understand the client needs to protect his or her rights and income as well as the ability to continue to work. When you trust us with your case, we represent you and your interests with confidence and transparency. Our reputation speaks for itself as we tirelessly work to represent your employment interests so that your professional and financial futures are protected.
We devote our practice to fighting for workers’ rights. Employment law in California is a specialized area and cases are hard-fought. Therefore, having one of the highest-rated employment attorneys in Simi Valley on your side is critical. If you are in Simi Valley, California, and searching for attorneys that are both experienced and aggressive, look no further and contact our office. When encountering discrimination, wrongful termination, or retaliation in the workplace, many California employees have turned to our offices for guidance. In turn, we represent employees throughout California in their fight against employers that have taken advantage of their upper hand. Our attorneys cover cities in Northern California and Southern California as the State’s courts are as specialized and diverse as the State’s landscape.