Central Coast Disability Discrimination Attorney
Top Disability Discrimination Lawyer on the Central Coast
Standing Up for Workers with Disabilities Across the Central Coast
Living with a disability isn’t easy, and the last thing anyone should have to worry about is being treated unfairly at work because of it. Unfortunately, disability discrimination still happens, even though the law is supposed to prevent it. If you’ve experienced discrimination because of a disability in your workplace, I’m here to help.
My name is John McCarthy, and I’m a Central Coast disability discrimination attorney. I work with employees who’ve been treated unfairly just for trying to do their jobs while living with a disability. Whether you live in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, or anywhere along California’s Central Coast, I’m here to make sure you have someone fighting for you when your employer isn’t playing fair.
Let’s walk through what disability discrimination looks like, how California law protects you, and what we can do together to make things right.
What Is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly at work because of a mental or physical disability. This can come in many forms—being denied a job, missing out on a promotion, getting unfair discipline, or even losing your job because of your condition.
It doesn’t matter if your disability is something visible, like using a wheelchair, or something that isn’t obvious, like living with depression, diabetes, or chronic pain. California law says that your employer has to treat you fairly and give you the tools you need to succeed at work, just like any other employee.
California’s Strong Protections for Workers with Disabilities
Here in California, we have some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. Most people have heard of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA. But California’s laws are even more protective. Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants because of a disability. This protection applies not only to people who currently have disabilities, but also to those who have a history of a disability or who are regarded as having one—even if they don’t.
In 2023, the agency responsible for enforcing these protections, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, changed its name to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). This is where you would typically file a complaint if you experience discrimination at work, and it’s an important step in holding your employer accountable.
What Does Disability Discrimination Look Like?
Not every employer is upfront about their biases, which means discrimination often comes in subtle, frustrating forms. You may have been told:
“We don’t think you’re the right fit for this position.”
“We need someone without limitations to keep up.”
“It’s just not working out anymore. We need to let you go.”
These comments are often thinly veiled excuses for illegal discrimination. Other times, the signs are more obvious:
Hiring discrimination: You’re passed over for a job because of your disability.
Failure to accommodate: Your employer refuses to make reasonable adjustments so you can perform your job.
Harassment: Coworkers or supervisors mock, belittle, or bully you because of your condition.
Unfair discipline or termination: You’re unfairly written up or fired for something related to your disability.
It’s also illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for requesting accommodations or reporting discrimination. If you’ve experienced any of these situations, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to put up with it.
What Are Reasonable Accommodations?
Employers in California are required to engage employees in a timely, good faith, interactive process, and must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. What counts as a reasonable accommodation can vary depending on the person and their job, but here are some common examples:
Providing unpaid leave
Adjusting your work schedule to allow time for medical appointments
Providing assistive technology, like screen readers or ergonomic equipment
Allowing remote work or flexible hours
Modifying job duties that are challenging because of your condition
Providing additional breaks or a modified workspace
If your employer refuses to provide accommodations or ignores your requests, that’s a red flag. You deserve to be heard, and your needs should be taken seriously.
How We Can Fight Back Against Disability Discrimination
If you’ve been treated unfairly because of a disability, it’s easy to feel powerless—but you have rights, and I’m here to make sure those rights are enforced. Here’s how I can help:
Free Case Evaluation: You can reach out for a fast, free, and confidential case evaluation. I’ll review what happened and help you understand if you have a claim. If I can’t take your case, I’ll point you in the right direction. If I can help, I’ll schedule a free consultation.
Filing a Complaint with the CRD: Before taking your employer to court, we’ll need to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you don’t have to navigate the bureaucracy alone.
Negotiating with Your Employer: In many cases, we can resolve things without a drawn-out legal battle. I’ll negotiate with your employer to seek a fair settlement, which may include compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Taking Your Case to Court: If negotiations don’t work out (and they probably won’t), I’m not afraid to take your case to court. My job is to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve, no matter how big the company is on the other side.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Disability Discrimination Case?
When we pursue a claim for disability discrimination, the goal is to get you the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve experienced. This could include:
Lost wages: If you were unfairly fired or lost hours, we’ll fight to recover those lost earnings.
Emotional distress: Dealing with discrimination is emotionally exhausting. You may be entitled to compensation for the mental toll it’s taken.
Punitive damages: In cases of especially bad behavior by your employer, the court may award punitive damages to punish them and send a message that discrimination won’t be tolerated.
Attorney’s fees: In many cases, the employer will have to cover the cost of your legal representation.
Why Choose Me as Your Disability Discrimination Attorney?
I’ve built my career fighting for people who’ve been treated unfairly—underdogs who need someone on their side when the system is stacked against them. I offer the kind of personal attention you won’t get from big firms. You’ll never be passed off to a junior attorney or a paralegal—you’ll deal with me directly, and you can call, email, or text anytime.
I know the Central Coast inside and out because I grew up here, and I still call it home today. I understand the unique challenges workers in our area face, and I’m committed to helping my neighbors get justice.
I also know what it’s like to lose a job and not know what will happen next, so I bring empathy and care to every case. But make no mistake—I’m relentless when it comes to holding employers accountable...that’s why I’m nationally known.
Serving Communities Throughout the Central Coast
I represent workers across California with a focus on the Central Coast, including:
Santa Cruz: Whether you live in Santa Cruz or Watsonville, I can help.
Monterey County: Serving the communities of Monterey, Salinas, and beyond.
San Luis Obispo County: Helping workers in SLO, Paso Robles, and Atascadero.
Santa Barbara County: Representing employees in Santa Maria, Goleta, and Santa Barbara.
Let’s Talk—You Deserve to Be Heard
If you’ve been treated unfairly because of your disability, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer free consultations for disability discrimination cases if I think I can help, and I’m here to listen to your story. Together, we can figure out the best path forward and make sure your voice is heard.
Fighting back against discrimination can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court, I’ll fight hard to get you the justice you deserve.
Contact Me Today for a Free Consultation
If you’re ready to talk about what’s been going on at work, reach out today. I’ll respond quickly—usually the same business day—because I know how important it is to feel heard. If I think I can help, I’ll schedule your free consultation. If I don’t think I can help, I’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
You’ve already overcome so much, and you deserve a fair shot at succeeding at work. Let’s take the next step together and make sure your employer is held accountable for their actions.
Get your free case evaluation today. I’m here to help, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Together, we can make sure your story ends with the justice you deserve.