Reasonable Accommodation

California law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities or medical conditions so they can perform their jobs effectively. When employers refuse, delay, or ignore accommodation requests, they may be violating state employment laws designed to protect workers.

At Jonny Law, we help employees understand their rights and take action when reasonable accommodation obligations are not met.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to the work environment or job duties that enables an employee with a disability or medical condition to perform the essential functions of their position.

Reasonable accommodations may include:

• Modified work schedules or flexible hours

• Remote or hybrid work arrangements

• Light duty or modified job responsibilities

• Additional breaks or rest periods

• Ergonomic equipment or assistive technology

• Temporary medical leave

• Reassignment to a vacant position

Employers must evaluate each request individually and cannot dismiss accommodation requests automatically.

California Law and Employee Protections

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employees are entitled to broader protections than under federal law. Reasonable accommodation rights apply to individuals with:

• Physical disabilities

• Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD

• Chronic illnesses

• Pregnancy-related conditions

• Temporary injuries or recovery-related limitations

These obligations apply to employers with five or more employees in California.

Employer Responsibilities Under the Law

Once an employer becomes aware of the need for accommodation, they must:

• Engage in a good-faith interactive process

• Consider reasonable accommodation options

• Request only necessary medical documentation

• Avoid retaliation or adverse treatment

• Reevaluate accommodations as circumstances change

Failing to take these steps may result in legal liability.

Common Reasonable Accommodation Violations

Employers may violate California law when they:

• Deny accommodation requests without discussion

• Ignore or delay responding to accommodation requests

• Terminate or discipline employees instead of accommodating them

• Require excessive or unnecessary medical records

• Force unpaid leave when other accommodations are available

• Retaliate against employees for requesting accommodations

These actions may support claims for failure to accommodate and disability discrimination.

Can an Employer Deny a Reasonable Accommodation?

An employer may deny a requested accommodation only if it would cause an undue hardship, meaning significant difficulty or expense based on the employer’s size, resources, and business operations.

Even in these cases, the employer must explore alternative accommodations rather than ending the discussion.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Employees who experience reasonable accommodation violations may be entitled to recover:

• Lost wages and benefits

• Emotional distress damages

• Attorney’s fees and legal costs

• Reinstatement or workplace policy changes

• Settlement or court-awarded compensation

Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved.

How Jonny Law Can Help

At Jonny Law, we focus on holding employers accountable when they fail to respect employee rights under California law. Our firm helps clients navigate accommodation disputes with clarity and confidence.

We can:

• Review your accommodation request and employer response

• Determine whether your rights were violated

• Communicate with your employer or their legal counsel

• Pursue compensation through negotiation or litigation