Can I sue the company I work for if they do not have an elevator?

Question

I sprang my knee snowboarding about a month ago and had to use cutches. When I went to work to give my boss my doctor's note it was difficult for me to go up the stairs so I had to ask someone assistance. I am now much better and don't need the crutches. But the company I work for still does not have an elevator.

Answer 1

Suing isn't the answer. Look at a more positive solution. Go to the heads of the company and see if you can arrange for an elevator to be put in, asking what is need in order for you to see that the company complies with laws for the disabled. If they are willing to see it through and put in the elevator, you will show them that you care about the company and its reputation, which would help with your career if you're there for the long run.

If they aren't willing to put in an elevator, discreetly inquire into the laws and see what your options are to have the company install an elevator in order to be legally compliant.

I think too many people leap to lawsuits. It was a trial for you but it opened your eyes to something you never noticed before. Use this knowledge for good rather than monetary gain.

Answer 2

Most likely, you would not prevail if you sued your company for not having an elevator. It's true that all new construction of buildings must be handicap accessible, but if the building was built before the law went into effect (early '90s), then the building is "grandfathered" in, and does not have to comply, unless the building is rennovated, then all rennovations will have to make the building handicap accessible. Your employer only is responsible for giving you "reasonable accommodation." Having another employee assist you, or temporarily changing your office/workspace location would be sufficient. Installing an elevator for someone who is temporarily on crutches from a sprained knee, is not required. If the company hired a disabled person, for example someone in a wheel chair, they would have to accommodate that person's disability. Again, this would either be finding a way to get the employee up the stairs (maybe there is a freight elevator the person could be given permission to use) or changing the work location for that employee to an accessible floor.

Answer 3

your off your crutches now...getting better but yet you want to sue the company??? Do you realize the expense of putting in an elevator? If you wanted one where you worked, why did you go apply there in the first place? Just how many floors do you have to walk up? 4? 5?

Answer 4

Are your employers (company owners) *******? IS it required by law for your employers to have an elevator in the office building? If not, then put yourself in their shoes - imagine you were the owner, ran the company and one of your employees had the same problem as you and that employee sued you/your company.

Answer 5

Assuming this is a large company, they are required to comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). If they do not provide a wheelchair accessible entrance, then they are not in compliance.

Answer 6

You want your company to install an elevator because of your TEMPORARY injury? Get real.

Answer 7

You can sue any one but winning is A different matter. Your company made one big mistake that if you sue they may correct. HIRING YOU

Answer 8

I was injuried stepping into elevator can Isue

Answer 9

there isnt a law that states that a company has to be handicap accessible, so no you cant sue

Answer 10

no...........its not the companys fault you sprang your knee so there not responsible for how you get to your working area