Disabled? You're Fired

**Cele** · 01-12-2007, 10:13 PM

I can't believe this is happening to me. As some of you will remember, I underwent two major surgeries last year to repair a hernia. The first time my employer was good to me. Now, since I can no longer travel weekly due to a physical impairment, I'm being "separated" from my job.

Here's the horrific part: I live in GA. There is NO protection for workers here. You can be fired for any reason or no reason. You can file a lawsuit if you're fired for being a minority, disabled, female, etc, but the lawyers I talked to told me it's nearly impossible to win. I can't find anyone who will even take my case. And I'm not talking about the kind of lawyers who get a percentage of what you win. We're talking straight "paid by the hour" attorneys.

So here I am, 41 years old, college educated, a senior consultant with years of experience, and I'm being kicked to the curb like a bag of trash. I am just devastated. My inability to lift suitcases (which is what all of this comes down to) is ending my career.

I'm looking for a new job, and this is one of those times where carrying no debt (other than mortgage) means I don't have to take the first thing...but because of my health issues I *must* have health insurance. It would cost $400/mo to by on DH's policy so that's not a valid option.

I just needed to vent. This is so unfair...and unethical...and just plain wrong.

**Cricket1** · 01-12-2007, 10:18 PM

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It may be a blessing in disguise--sounds like you worked for heartless people.

**dcompton** · 01-12-2007, 10:48 PM

Louisiana is a lot like that too, or used to be when I was in administration and had to know about such things. It may have changed, but since Louisiana is not the shining star among the states, I doubt it.

41 isn't old (trust me!). I hope you find something soon, and with your experience I would think you have a good chance. Fortunately, you are in a position to be a little choosy. Anyway, I hope this resolves itself soon and happily.

**grneyegrl** · 01-12-2007, 11:25 PM

;im sorry but u need to contact a lawyer..u r protected under the americans with disabilites act... its a federal law and all companys have to make reasonable accomitations(sp sorry) ...if nothing else get a consultation.. never ever think u dont have rights.. fight back,, it may take a long time but do it (if u can)

**grneyegrl** · 01-12-2007, 11:28 PM

im sorry i didnt read the whole thing...i wonder why that told you its impossible to win...it takes a long time but it can be done..i just got upset with your being treated so badly

**chatterweb** · 01-12-2007, 11:39 PM

That would never fly in CA...

We have had alot of workers do bad things and still keep there jobs, not to mention being disabled!

I had no idea there were states like this! Can you find work out of state?

**Nada.Leona** · 01-13-2007, 12:26 AM

Is there no one you can contact? Human rights or women's services or anything? Write to congress, call some reporters, I'd be shouting out to all who would listen to me!!!

**Cele** · 01-13-2007, 11:00 AM

I've thought about going public. This is a huge corporation. I can guarantee you that you know who they are and what they do. Sadly, being that big means they have tons and lawyers and HR people.

My HR "rep" told me "it's not anyone's job (in the company) to look out for your best interests. That's your job. We have other responsibilities." Mind you, I have been proactive ever since it looked like things might go bad.

I just wonder if going public would blackball me within my industry...that is scary too.

**Michelle** · 01-13-2007, 11:22 AM

I'm sorry. That is just so unfair. I hope you find someone to take your case.

**grneyegrl** · 01-13-2007, 12:06 PM

i think you should go public and contact the eeoc..and see what they say..dont ever believe what the company said... they are looking out for them selves... have u gone to the very top...i dont know if u work in the corporate office or not.. try everything you can...

**Nada.Leona** · 01-13-2007, 10:07 PM

I'd go public. I'd make it known. Wal-Mart, MacDonalds, Microsoft, whatever. They have a responsibility as the employer to provide you the minimum of rights, no matter what the state law says. I would definitely be going out to newspapers or radio shows or whatever worked.

**chatterweb** · 01-14-2007, 12:46 AM

I would go public. Nothing to lose right???

**got2run3** · 01-14-2007, 09:12 PM

I am so sorry that this has happen to you. I would contact someone @ the state level, like the states attorney office, your states dept. of labor. If that doesn't work contact the Federal Dept of Labor, I have a ladys number but she is here in Tennessee, but she could point you in the right direction. Me personally I wouldn't go public until you talk to someone @ the state/federal level to see what they think. Then go public... yes you can be blacklisted, in your industry trust me been there and done it, I'm starting over in a new industry @38 so 41 isn't old @ all : ) Just remember HR is not your friend, the less you tell them the better off you are sometimes. this is just my experience s though

**dolphin** · 01-15-2007, 09:17 AM

I'm so sorry you lost your job and I can certainly understand why you are so frustrated.

I will send good thoughts that you will find an even better job that does not require traveling or lifting. Our state, Nevada, is the same since we are an "at will" employment state. They don't even have to give you a reason why you are let go.