Millions of Americans live with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, paralysis, or other health issues—yet many continue working successfully. If you have a medical condition, you might wonder: Can my employer fire me because of it?
In general, an employer cannot fire you solely because of a medical condition. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide protections. A Paramus employment law attorney at Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi can help you understand your legal rights.
Legal Protections for Employees with Medical Conditions
In most cases, an employer cannot fire you solely due to a medical condition. Two key laws provide protection:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against employees with qualifying disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so creates undue hardship.
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions or to care for a close family member.
A Paramus employment law attorney at the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi can assess whether these laws apply to your case.
Who Is Covered Under These Laws?
- FMLA applies to employees who have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year for companies with 50+ employees. If your employer is smaller, FMLA protections may not apply.
- ADA covers employers with at least 15 employees and protects workers whose medical conditions substantially limit major life activities. Not all conditions qualify, but many do.
When Can an Employee Be Legally Fired?
Although medical conditions cannot be the sole reason for termination, there are situations where firing is legal:
- Inability to Perform Essential Job Functions – If you cannot fulfill your job duties, even with accommodations, termination may be justified.
- Undue Hardship on Employer – If accommodations create excessive financial or operational burdens, the employer may not be required to provide them.
- Safety Concerns – If your condition poses a direct threat to workplace safety that cannot be reasonably accommodated, termination may be allowed.
- Exceeding FMLA Leave – If you exhaust your 12 weeks and cannot return to work, your job is no longer legally protected.
- At-Will Employment – In at-will states (which include all but Montana), employers can fire workers for any lawful reason, including prolonged absences, as long as it isn’t discriminatory.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
While federal and state laws protect workers with medical conditions, exceptions exist. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi LLC can review your case and help you pursue justice. Call us at 973-866-9415 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today.
