THE EXPERT – Jonesboro Right Now – Life is full of challenges, and obstacles after often easier to overcome when people have a trusted alley in their corner.

Certain situations are more easily managed with a little help from a trustworthy support system, and that system can include a reliable legal representative.

Mark Rees, owner of Rees Law Firm in Jonesboro, is a dedicated attorney with years of experience providing trusted legal representation.

According to Rees Law Firm, individuals with disabilities sometimes face discrimination, segregation, and exclusion in the workplace. Because of this, it pays for individuals to have a trustworthy legal advocate in their corner to advise them on their rights and recommend action to take if those rights are being compromised.

To ensure fair and equitable treatment, Rees Law Firm offers this overview of what individuals should know about their disability rights at work.

Understand Your Rights at Work

Rees Law Firm notes that federal laws protect people with disabilities from being discriminated against in the workplace.

Individuals do not have to inform an employer of a disability when they apply for a job or even after they are hired. That is the case even if a disability requires a reasonable accommodation in the future. Individuals with disabilities who can perform the job cannot legally be denied promotions, fired, demoted, harassed, or paid less as a result of their disability.

People are also protected under the law from unnecessary medical inquiries at work.

Recognize Workplace Discrimination

According to Rees Law Firm, disability discrimination in the workplace can take several forms, including:

  • A refusal by an employer to hire, promote, or equally pay a person because of a disability when that person is capable of doing the job.
  • An employer refusing to make reasonable accommodations to ensure a person with a disability has an equal chance to succeed.
  • An employer demanding that a disability be disclosed or discussed when no accommodation has been requested.
  • An individual becoming the target of derogatory comments, jokes, or gestures related to a disability from a boss, coworkers, or customers.

Take Prompt Action

Rees Law Firm recommends that individuals who believe their rights have been violated take steps to respond to such violations quickly. In addition to contacting a lawyer, individuals may need to file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state fair employment practices agency.

Deadlines to submit such filings may be as short as 180 days, so it is vital to move quickly in response to any violations.

Whether advocating in the courtroom or offering sound legal advice, Mark Rees is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.

If you want more information or feel your rights have been violated, contact Rees Law Firm at (870) 521-1581 or visit their Jonesboro office at 2110 E. Matthews Ave. To learn more, visit markreeslaw.com.