Can You Be Fired for Filing a Disability Claim or Requesting Accommodations?
July 2, 2026
Facing a health challenge while trying to maintain your career is an incredibly heavy burden. Your focus should be on recovering from your injury, both physically and mentally; however, it's common for fears of losing your job to creep in.
Your job is the means to maintain stability and support your recovery, and it can be painful to wonder whether your loyalty and hard work might be met with hostility if you request help or accommodation in order to keep performing at your best.
Being fired for filing a disability claim or requesting accommodations at work can often be considered wrongful termination. At Duwel Law, our skilled employment lawyer is dedicated to helping you protect your rights against workplace disability discrimination. Located in Dayton, Ohio, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Miami County, Greene County, Darke County, and Warren County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Protections Against Workplace Disability Discrimination
In the United States, you have a right to work in an environment free from workplace disability discrimination. Federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state-level protections in Ohio, exist to shield you from unfair treatment. These rules don't just apply to the hiring process; they cover every aspect of employment, from promotions to pay.
If you have a qualifying disability, your boss cannot use that as a reason to fire you. When you file a disability claim or ask for an accommodation, you're exercising a protected legal right. This means your employer is prohibited from taking "adverse actions" against you for doing so. If you feel your rights are being ignored, it's vital to document the situation and seek legal guidance.
Ohio's Legal Requirements for Reasonable Accommodations
In Ohio, employers have a duty to engage in a dialogue when you request an accommodation. If a change is reasonable and doesn't cause the business "undue hardship," the business is legally required to provide it. This might include developing modified schedules or adjusted duties that allow you to continue contributing to the company.
Unfortunately, some businesses try to bypass this duty to avoid workplace disability discrimination claims. They might claim that an accommodation is too expensive or disruptive without actually considering alternatives. In these cases, you shouldn't accept a "no" at face value. Instead, consider negotiating with your employer for the following:
Flexible scheduling: This allows you to attend medical appointments or work during hours when your symptoms are more manageable. This can also include granting periodic breaks throughout the workday to manage pain or administer medication. By adjusting traditional shift times, your employers can help you maintain productivity without sacrificing your healthcare needs.
Modified workstations: Providing ergonomic chairs or screen-reading software to help with physical or visual limitations. Adjustments might also involve installing height-adjustable desks or adjusting office lighting to accommodate specific sensory sensitivities. These tangible modifications ensure that a physical environment does not become a barrier to fulfilling your daily responsibilities.
Job restructuring: Shifting non-essential tasks to other employees while you focus on the core duties of your position. This allows the primary objectives of your role to be met while redistributing secondary tasks that may have become too physically or mentally taxing. It is a collaborative approach that maintains operational efficiency while respecting your health.
Remote work options: Letting you work from home to manage chronic pain or mobility issues that make commuting difficult. This can help eliminate the physical toll of a daily commute, allowing you to conserve your energy for your job duties. It also provides a controlled, comfortable environment where you can manage your symptoms.
When an employer refuses to discuss these options, they might be leaning into workplace disability discrimination or wrongful termination. These accommodations are designed to help you remain in the workforce, benefiting both you and your employer. At Duwel Law, our skilled Ohio employment law attorneys are dedicated to helping you advocate for the tools you need to succeed, regardless of your physical or mental health challenges.
Signs Your Termination Might Be Retaliation
If you're fired shortly after requesting an accommodation, the timing is often a red flag. Employers rarely admit they're firing someone because of a health issue. Instead, they might cite "downsizing" or "personality conflicts." However, if your track record was clean until you spoke up, you might be a victim of workplace disability discrimination or wrongful termination.
Our experienced employment law attorneys can review your employment timeline to determine whether the "reason" for your firing holds any water. We’ve seen cases where a worker’s performance reviews go from stellar to poor within weeks after a diagnosis is revealed. This shift is a classic tactic used to mask the employer's true intent.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Discrimination
If you believe you’re being targeted by your employer, keep a detailed log of every interaction. Write down the dates, times, and names of the people involved in conversations about your health or your job performance. Save copies of emails, performance reviews, and any written requests you’ve made for accommodations.
This paper trail serves as a defense against workplace disability discrimination by creating a clear record that an employer can't easily dispute. Taking swift action by working with an employment law attorney shows your employer that you aren't afraid of protecting your rights.
Contact Our Skilled Employment Law Attorney for Help With Workplace Disability Discrimination
At Duwel Law, our employment law attorney, Kyle C. Duwel, is committed to helping you combat workplace disability discrimination and wrongful termination. Losing your job can be challenging, but losing it due to asking for accommodations or filing a disability claim is illegal.
Workplace disability discrimination is a serious violation of your rights, and you have the right to pursue legal action against your employer. Located in Dayton, Ohio, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Miami County, Greene County, Darke County, and Warren County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.