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Handling false allegations of disability discrimination

When it comes to employment law, employers face many hurdles, from wage and hour issues to discrimination complaints. Moreover, discrimination takes many forms, including allegations of disability discrimination. In some instances, these claims are baseless, but even false allegations of disability discrimination have the potential to create serious repercussions for companies both large and small.

If you are struggling with an employee who is falsely accusing your business of disability discrimination, it is imperative to go over the details of the law and safeguard your interests.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

For starters, employers in this position need to review the ins and outs of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, this act makes it unlawful to discriminate against protected employees on the basis of their disability. A number of disabilities are covered, such as those which affect speech, walking and other activities. However, even if an employee’s disability does not interfere with their ability to perform their job duties, being discriminated against on the basis of this impairment is also against the law.

False accusations of discrimination

Sometimes, employees wrongly believe that discrimination occurred. In some instances, this is a result of unfamiliarity with the ADA or confusion regarding events that occurred in the workplace. On the other hand, some employees intentionally file false complaints or take legal action over baseless claims, such as those who want to seek revenge or have financial motivations. These cases carry a harsh stigma, and you need to protect your business against false claims of discrimination.