HAS YOUR BOSS BEEN HOLDING YOU BACK IN YOUR JOB BECAUSE YOU HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA?
Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder that causes impairments in the perception of reality. In addition, schizophrenia causes severe social and occupational inabilities. Many individuals suffering from schizophrenia suffer from hallucinations and disordered thinking. Although a definite cause of schizophrenia is unknown, genetics, environment, neurobiology, and psychological and social processes are likely important contributory factors. Schizophrenia is often misunderstood, and many people think it is connected with violent tendencies or split personalities. This is not the case. This condition puts the sufferer in emotional turmoil, but does not render them violent.
If you have schizophrenia, you may not even be aware that you are a victim of discrimination. Some examples of ways in which you may be a victim of discrimination include your boss not allowing you to miss work for medical appointments, your employer not accommodating your need to take some time off work, your boss not providing you with reasonable on-site accommodation for your schizophrenia, and/or not allowing you to miss work to undergo psychotherapy to treat your schizophrenia.
If you have been a victim of discrimination, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against your employer. In order to bring a discrimination suit, you must be able to show that you are disabled, regarded as being disabled, or have a past of being disabled. In addition, you must be able to show that your disability has resulted in physical limitations, that you can still perform the essential tasks of your job, and that your boss has taken some adverse action against you. An “adverse action” includes not hiring you because of your schizophrenia, firing you, or demoting you.
If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, get help by calling the experienced attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP. You can reach us at can reach us at 1-800-ALAWPRO or 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more.
