Steven Swirsky, a Member of the Firm in the Labor and Employment and Health Care and Life Sciences practices in the New York office, was quoted by Law360 on an increase in federal discrimination claims during the first quarter of 2010.
In the article, "Bias Suits Rise, Spurred In Part By Stronger ADA," Swirsky pointed out that the recession and changes to federal laws combined to cause the increase.
"The degree to which people are able to replace employment and minimize losses when they move from one job to another makes people more willing to perhaps move on," he said. However, because people are struggling find new, comparable jobs in the current economy, they are more likely to bring employment-related claims.
In addition, the Lily Ledbetter Act and recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act were designed to expand the definition of a disability under the law and allow plaintiffs greater access to courts. The publicity surrounding both laws helped make the public more aware of potential discrimination claims they could bring, Swirsky said.
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Board of Directors / Member of the Firm
