Can a disabled person be fired from a job?
Yes, in the state of Washington, a disabled person can be terminated from their job in certain circumstances. Like all other employees, a disabled individual is protected by the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), which prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability or perceived disability. However, there are certain reasons that an employer can legally terminate an employee with a disability, including: not being able to perform the essential duties of the job, posing a safety risk to other employees, acting in a way that is disruptive to other employees, or failing to cooperate with reasonable job expectations. Employers must also be careful when terminating a disabled employee, as they may be held liable if they are found to have discriminated against the individual because of their disability. For example, the employer must be able to provide proof that the termination was due to the employee’s inability to perform the essential tasks of the job, and not because of their disability. Additionally, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled employees when necessary, in order to ensure that the employee has a fair and equal opportunity to perform their job duties. If an employee believes that they have been wrongfully terminated due to their disability, then they may be able to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. An investigation may be launched, and if it is found that the employee was discriminated against, then they may be able to receive compensation or have their job reinstated.
Related FAQs
Are there any laws that protect disabled workers from discrimination in the workplace?Are there restrictions on how employers can use a person’s disability in the hiring process?
What are the rights of disabled individuals under the Fair Housing Act?
What is the minimum wage for disabled workers?
Are there any special tax deductions for disabled people?
Are disabilities considered when determining disability insurance benefits?
Are there any protections for disabled tenants in the rental market?
Are there any rules or laws that require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees?
Are employers allowed to ask questions concerning one’s disability during a job interview?
Are there any special laws that allow for reasonable modifications to be made for disabled people in public spaces?
Related Blog Posts
What Everyone Must Know About Disability Law - July 31, 2023Defending Your Rights as a Disabled Person: A Guide to Disability Law - August 7, 2023
Understanding the Different Types of Disability Law - August 14, 2023
How to Seek Legal Representation for Disability-Related Issues - August 21, 2023
The Pros and Cons of Appealing a Disability Denial - August 28, 2023