QUESTION
A question about reasonable accommodations in the work place:
Asked on Jun 15th, 2012 on Labor and Employment - Alabama
More details to this question:
I work with a guy that has had a lifelong physical disability. The years have taken a real toll on his body and he is now struggling to make it in and out of work each day. The place where we work (a municipal government) has not made any reasonable accommodations for the man, regarding parking, scheduling, etc. In fact, the new boss recently downgraded his performance rating, because of his frequent medical absences. Given the current circumstances, he has decided to retire early even though he can not really afford to make that move at this time.
What recourse does he have in a situation like this? He is not the type to make demands based upon his disabilities, but I feel like the guy is getting run over by these jerks.
1 ANSWER
4 Awards
He should DEFINITELY see an attorney BEFORE he retires. The company must make reasonable accommodations if he can do the essential functions of his job with those accommodations.
Tell him that meeting with an attorney would not require him to take legal action. The attorney will tell him what his rights and options are so that at least your friend can make an informed decision on whether to press this issue or simply retire. A simple letter from an attorney with a medical statement about the need for the accommodations may resolve this matter. So he would not have to necessarily file a lawsuit.
Answered on Jun 15th, 2012 at 1:55 PM