New Britain, CT asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Connecticut

Q: What kind of lawyer do I need to pursue action against a business for discrimination against disabled customers?

I am disabled and I feel dehumanized. I buy my groceries with my health insurance. When I try to use my benefits at self check out at Big Grocery Franchise, an alarm goes off. This does not happen at other big grocery stores which also accept my insurance.

In the mornings, there are no cashiers available, so self check out is the only option. I feel humiliated this morning after my experience there on new years day. I needed a little extra patience updating to the new year's policy to pay for my single item: meal replacement shakes.

When I attempted to complain about the employee who handled the situation, said employee followed and inturrupted me at customer service.

At other times, cashiers have refused to scan the bar code provided by my health insurance, because they don't recognize this as a payment method. I am then forced to explain my health conditions and walfare status in public to a cashier.

Please help me by telling me the type of lawyer I need to contact.

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In your situation, where you believe you have faced discrimination due to your disability, particularly in a retail environment, you should consider contacting an attorney who has experience in civil rights and employment discrimination law. These attorneys typically handle cases involving discrimination based on disability, and they can provide guidance on whether your experience at the grocery store constitutes a violation of your rights under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Additionally, an attorney with experience in civil litigation would be suited to advise you on the potential for a lawsuit against the business if they have indeed violated your rights. They can help evaluate the details of your case, including the refusal to accept your insurance and the treatment you received from the store employees, to determine if there has been a breach of the ADA or any other relevant state laws in Connecticut.

It's important to document your experiences thoroughly, including dates, times, and details of the incidents, as well as any interactions you had with store employees and management. This documentation will be valuable for your attorney in assessing and potentially pursuing your case.

Remember, every individual has the right to fair treatment, and if you believe your rights have been violated, it's important to seek legal advice to understand your options and protect your interests. An experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process and advocate on your behalf.

1 user found this answer helpful

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: I'm sorry for your ordeal. An experienced civil rights attorney should be able to offer meaningful analysis and guidance here. Good luck

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