Any advice for epileptics who are losing their jobs because of their disability?

Any advice for epileptics who are losing their jobs because of their disability?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

10 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Document the proof that your termination is due to you disability and find a labor attorney to file suit to to discrimination.

  2. Anonymous

    Documentation would be very important. I would hope you had also gained an accommodation to help protect you if you feel this is discriminatory against you due to epilepsy. I don't want you to feel that you have to disclose upon job acceptance, but what you can do is to submit for an accommodation once hired to protect you.

  3. Anonymous

    Did you have any accommodations in place at the time of termination?

  4. Anonymous

    No. Haven't been terminated yet. Was supposed to go from STD to LTD, but Insurance company is trying to deny LTD benefits. In the meantime, STD benefits end in 2 was. Don't know what to do.

  5. Anonymous

    OP, would you be willing to provide more details about your circumstances?

    As others have asked, did you have accommodations in place with HR?

    What are the circumstances around your termination (or impending termination, as it sounds like it's in process or upcoming?)

    If you are willing to share more information, it would help us help you more.

    And if you do respond again, would you mind mentioning that you are the OP (because it's easy to lose track in these discussion boards).

  6. Anonymous

    OP - Had another seizure and went on STD b/c doctor said I couldn't drive, & wanted to monitor medication and get other medical tests done. In short, couldn't do my job. Am not allowed to drive til. 09/23 (per doctor& MVA). Insurance company is trying to deny LTD benefits, they say I have a preexisting conditions, and my manager has told me I don't have a job to come back to. Not sure what to do here. If STD denied (in 2 wks), and get fired do I collect Unemployment? Company has made no effort for reasonable accommodation. I have been told by my doctor's that I am now considered an Epileptic (2 seizures).

  7. Michele Christine Pardon

    I have Epliepsy and was recently terminated from a contracted job "without Cause." After it was extended for another three months but terminated on 5/19.

    But I believe it was due to the fact that I have been sturggling from seizures. I will never be able to prove it, but that is what I believe amongst other situations going on financially within the company. Since I am unemployed, I can't afford a disability attorney.

  8. Anonymous

    Have you checked around with local attorneys? Many large firms have pro bono programs, where they will provide legal work for free if certain circumstances are present. Alternatively, some attorneys work on a contingency basis where you don’t pay any legal fees if you don’t get an award or settlement. I’m so sorry this happened to you.

  9. Anonymous

    Are you eligible for unemployment?

  10. Anonymous

    You do not pay the attorney. They will keep an agreed upon % of your settlement or court award. All fees and costs will also be paid by the attorney and will be reimbursed once there is a settlement.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members