Veteran discrimination is a specific type of discrimination that happens to war veterans related to employment, housing, and other sectors of public life. This can happen in different ways, such as not promoting or hiring someone because they are a veteran, not allowing them to rent a home, or treating them unjustly in some other way because of their veteran status.
Other examples of veteran discrimination can occur when a business does not accommodate their needs or does not provide them with the same opportunities as individuals who are not veterans. An employer has to give accommodations for workers who have an impairment or disability related to their service in the military, for example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a physical disability, or other issues.
An employer cannot engage in discrimination against a disabled veteran when making decisions about hiring, firing, or promoting them. These requirements apply to companies and businesses that have at least 15 workers in addition to certain public institutions and government organizations.
If a Florida veteran is having any issues with discrimination, it is important that they schedule a legal consultation in Florida to find out more about their rights and options.
Are Veterans Covered by the ADA in Florida?
Yes, Florida veterans are given protections by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA provides people who have disabilities, including veterans, with rights and requires employers to give reasonable accommodations for workers who have impairments or disabilities.
Employers are not permitted to engage in employment discrimination based on an individual’s disability and, under the ADA, must give them accommodations that are reasonable that allow them to complete their job duties. This can be as simple as providing them with a chair if they cannot stand for long periods of time.
The ADA applies to any employer that has at least 15 workers, in addition to some public institutions and government agencies and organizations. Additionally, some state and municipal laws provide even more safeguards for veterans that may be more comprehensive than the federal laws.
If a Florida veteran is facing any type of workplace discrimination, Florida lawyers can help.
What Are Common Examples of Veteran Discrimination in Florida?
There are many different examples of ways discrimination can occur in Florida, including, but not necessarily limited to:
- Housing discrimination, which can arise when a veteran is trying to rent or purchase a home
- Issues accessing public services, such as healthcare, public transportation, and education
- Harassment because of veteran status or disability
- Discrimination when making hiring, promotion, or other types of employment decisions, which is prohibited under Federal Employment Discrimination Law
- Abuse, such as physical or verbal, that is perpetrated on someone because of their disability or handicap
Discrimination that is perpetrated against veterans who have disabilities is very concerning, which is one of the many reasons they are afforded protections under multiple laws. This discrimination can be based on multiple issues, such as their disability, their status as a veteran, or other issues.
Employers, housing providers, and other parties who work with and provide services for veterans must be aware of veterans rights and take actions to avoid perpetrating discrimination or harassment of veterans. It is important for a veteran who faces any type of discrimination or prejudice to reach out to a Florida lawyer to learn more about their rights.
If I Suffer From Veteran Employment Discrimination in Florida, What Remedies Are Available to Me?
A Florida veteran has many different options if they face veteran employment discrimination. The remedies that may be available for a Florida veteran can vary depending on the facts of the case, but many include compensatory damages for monetary compensation, punitive damages, or other types of non-monetary compensation.
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate a veteran for their financial losses related to the discrimination. This can include compensation for front pay, or funds not received because of the discrimination, compensation for wrongful dismissal, or back pay if they were passed over for a promotion.
In cases where the conduct of an employer is particularly egregious, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are extra funds that are meant to deter similar conduct from the employer or other employers in the future.
A worker may also be reinstated to a former position if they were wrongfully terminated. They may also be put into a higher position if they were wrongfully passed over for a promotion.
A veteran discrimination attorney can help a Florida veteran maximize their damages by reviewing the case and gathering evidence to present the best arguments possible on their behalf. An attorney can also negotiate with the veteran’s employer and will also defend them in the courtroom if a trial becomes necessary.
What Other Protections Exist for Veterans?
There may also be additional protections for Florida veterans pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as those provided in the laws discussed above. This Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded activities and programs, which includes government contractors and subcontractors.
A disabled veteran may be able to receive reasonable employment accommodations, which can include specialized equipment or reduced job assignments under this Act. The Act may also provide protections against retaliation for exercising their legal rights as a disabled veteran.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act can also provide Florida veterans with additional protections. This Act prohibits discrimination against people who serve in the military, National Guard, or Reserve and also offers work protection for people who serve.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Assistance With Veteran Discrimination Laws in Florida?
If you are a Florida veteran who is having any issues with discrimination in Florida, it is essential to consult with a Florida employment discrimination lawyer. Racing out to a lawyer can help whether you are facing discrimination at work or in other areas of your life, such as housing.
Your discrimination attorney will be able to help you understand your legal options to obtain the compensation or other remedy that you need. Your attorney will investigate the issues surrounding your case, gather the necessary evidence, and present arguments on your behalf.
Your lawyer can also help you negotiate with your employer to try and resolve your issues outside of the courtroom, which can save you time, money, and help preserve your relationship with your employer. It is important to reach out to a discrimination attorney as soon as you can because there will likely be a time limit, or statute of limitations, that applies to your claim.
You can use the free attorney matching services that are provided by LegalMatch to find a discrimination attorney in Florida who can help you quickly resolve your issues. It will only take you around 15 minutes to submit a confidential question or concern you have.
After you submit your case, you will start getting messages from Florida member lawyers who are prescreened, licensed in Florida, and ready to start working on your issue. These responses will include information about the attorney’s education, potential fees and costs, and reviews from their previous clients.
Many member lawyers will offer free initial consultations, which means you can potentially connect with and interview multiple attorneys without spending a dime. Get started with LegalMatch today.
