The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and Disability Discrimination (NJLAD) is a New Jersey law that protects employees and job applicants from discrimination. NJLAD covers employees in both the private and public sectors. However, in order for an employee or job applicant to be covered under NJLAD, he or she may have to meet certain requirements that they must meet, as the definition of a disability under NJLAD is much broader than that of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
Disabilities That May be Protected Under NJLAD
An employee or job applicant may be covered under NJLAD if he or she a disability. Some of those disabilities covered under NJLAD include, but may not be limited to:
- A physical disability;
- A malformation or disfigurement;
- A physical illness or disease;
- Impairments (non-physical) such as mental or psychological impairments;
- Paralysis;
- Epilepsy;
- Pregnancy;
- Visual impairments;
- Hearing impairments; and/or
- Speech impediments.
Rights Under NJLAD
While NJLAD covers certain employees with disabilities, the employee and/or job applicant may still have a responsibility to meet certain job requirements and perform the necessary tasks of the position. However, an employee may request that an employer provide a reasonable accommodation to help the employee perform the necessary tasks. A job applicant may also ask for a reasonable accommodation during the application process. Typically, an employer should provide a reasonable accommodation so long as it does not create an undue hardship on the employer. In addition, an employer may not exclude or deny an employee a promotion based on their disability.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against by your employer, refused a reasonable accommodation, or denied a job opportunity based on your disability, you should consult with an attorney. An experienced employment law attorney can assess the facts of your case and help you understand your rights.
The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. would be happy to provide you with assistance in your case and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can assess the specific circumstances surrounding your lawsuit.
