We have written repeatedly about discrimination in the workplace and the legal options available to workers who believe they have been subjected to it. This is true for a wide variety of discrimination types suffered by multiple protected classes — including those suffering from a disability.

A disability action filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2005 is headed for settlement. A federal administrative judge has provided preliminary approval to the settlement agreement. A final decision will come in March of 2015.

The dispute involves more than 570 disabled individuals who either work or worked for the Social Security Administration. The basis of the lawsuit is that many of these workers were denied promotions due to their disabilities, despite being the best qualified. Some workers encountered this situation multiple times.

The settlement agreement provides for:

• $6.6 million to the disabled workers.
• An overhaul of the reasonable accommodation process now in place.
• The creation of a supervisory board that will assure the specifics of the settlement are honored.
• Sensitivity training for all SSA employees.

As this preliminary settlement illustrates, the resolution of a discrimination case brought by the EEOC can result in more than financial compensation for those impacted. It may also lead to changes that prevent similar problems in the future.

If you have been discriminated against as a result of a disability — or another characteristic that places you in a protected class — a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable plaintiff’s employment lawyer will benefit you.

Source: The Washington Times, “Judge OKs settlement for Social Security workers,” Associated Press, Nov. 10, 2014