Yes, you may have a legal case against your employer if you were fired for having PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For example, you may have been in an accident that resulted in a serious injury. Or, you watched someone being assaulted, injured, or killed.
PTSD can impact many areas of your life, and that may include your job. However, your employer cannot fire you simply on the basis of PTSD or any other mental health condition. Before you can be terminated, your employer must have proof that your job performance falls bellows acceptable standards. You can also lose your job if your mental illness puts other employees at risk. If either of these situations cannot be established, it’s more than likely that you are a victim of wrongful termination.
Can PTSD be Cured?
Those who are afflicted with PTSD may wonder if there is a way to fully heal from the disorder. Frankly, there is no definitive cure for PTSD, though recovery is possible. But it’s a well-known fact that healing from the trauma is a long-term process that requires medical intervention, including psychological counseling. Treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Psychotherapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Trauma focused therapy
- Narrative exposure therapy
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Present-centered therapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychopharmacotherapy
- Stress inoculation training
- Prolonged exposure
- Narrative exposure therapy
- MDMA assisted psychotherapy
What can I Do if My Boss Fired Me for Having PTSD?
Unfortunately, many employers are quick to assume that you are incompetent or a danger to others because of a mental health condition. They may also be upset when you ask for reasonable accommodations because of your medical needs. The attitudes of employers can result in disability discrimination and retaliation when the worker asks for modifications or changes that can help them in the workplace.
Discrimination against an employee for having a serious medical issue, including PTSD, is illegal under federal and state laws. Wrongful termination is an example of disability discrimination, but there are plenty of other ways that workers can be mistreated at their job. You may be rejected for a promotion or demoted to a lower position. Perhaps you are passed over for a raise or bonus, or you are forced to take unpaid leave from work, though you are capable of handling your job duties.
At the end of the day, it is against the law for your employer to rely on stereotypes and assume that you are incapable of doing your job.
What are My Rights if I was Wrongfully Terminated?
Those who are fired on the basis of having PTSD should contact an employment rights lawyer as soon as possible. That way, you can discuss the possibility of filing a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies have the power to enforce labor laws and penalize employers that are in violation. They can also allow you to sue your employer directly by issuing a Right to Sue letter. If you succeed in a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer, you can obtain compensation, such as:
- Lost wages (back and front pay)
- Lost work-related benefits, like PTO, healthcare premiums, retirement contributions and stock options
- Pain and suffering for psychological trauma and emotional suffering
- Reinstatement of your job
- Punitive damages
Whether you are filing a wrongful termination claim or a lawsuit against your employer, it’s essential to have an experienced lawyer by your side. The Los Angeles PTSD discrimination attorneys at our law firm are with you every step on the way on your journey to financial and emotional recovery. Contact our office in Los Angeles and let us help you with a claim for employment discrimination.
Legal Counsel for Those Who are Fired for Having PTSD
Dealing with a mental health disorder and being fired at the same time can make your life incredibly stressful, and it may seem like there is nothing you can do. However, you are protected from unfair treatment in the workplace under various laws at the federal and state level. You also have the legal experts of California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group on your side. We have a proven track record of settlements and jury verdicts in favor of wrongful termination victims. You can count on us to build a strong and effective case and bring you maximum payment from a PTSD discrimination lawsuit.
Zero Fee Guarantee
We do not believe in charging victims for the cost of legal services, and that’s why you are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee from the moment you contact us. Your journey with us begins with a free, private consultation. If you decide to hire us for a wrongful termination claim, we will handle your case from start to finish without asking for anything upfront. All legal expenses are added on to the amount owed to you by your former employer, so we only get paid if we secure a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf.
As you can see, there is nothing to lose by contacting us today and learning about the ways we can assist you. Taking legal action is a personal choice, particularly when you are going through the struggle of living with PTSD on a day to day basis. However, all we ask is that you give us a chance and see if suing your employer for wrongful termination is the right course of action. You can do this completely free of charge, so please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
