Can you be fired for a pre existing condition?
James Olson
Updated on March 20, 2026
Many Employees Have Pre-Existing Conditions Anti-discrimination employment laws prohibit companies from discriminating against applicants or employees with disabilities or medical conditions. As long as an employee can perform the job duties, pre-existing conditions should not be considered in employment decisions.
Can an employer fire you if you have a medical condition?
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it illegal for your employer to discriminate against you due to a medical condition or perceived medical condition. Discrimination can include any adverse employment action, including firing or termination.
Can a company fire you for being old?
According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, your employer cannot be discriminate against you or other employees based on your ages. This protects those 40 years of age and older. You cannot be looked over for promotions, training, job assignments, pay, layoffs or fringe benefits.
Can a employer discriminate against an employee due to medical conditions?
It is illegal under both federal and state laws to discriminate against an employee based on his or her medical condition with regard to employment decisions. Federal laws that protect against medical condition discrimination are the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Can my employer ask about pre existing conditions?
Under the ADA: Prior to employment, employers are prohibited from asking whether a potential employee has a disability or has any past or present medical conditions. Pre-employment medical examinations are prohibited. The employer also may not ask a potential employee to disclose workers’ compensation history.
Can an employer ask if you have a pre existing condition?
Once a person is hired and has started work, an employer generally can only ask medical questions or require a medical exam if the employer needs medical documentation to support an employee’s request for an accommodation or if the employer has reason to believe an employee would not be able to perform a job …
Can I sue for age discrimination?
If you’ve been treated differently at work based on your age, you may have grounds to sue your employer. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are at least 40 years old. Many states also have their own laws protecting employees from age discrimination.
At what age can a company force you to retire?
65
Once an employee reached the age of 65, he or she could be forced to retire. However, the ADEA was amended over 25 years ago to protect all employees who are 40 and older. As a result, today it is illegal for employers to adopt a mandatory retirement age.
Can a job cause an employee to have a preexisting condition?
Even jobs that are considered less physical than others can cause employees to experience debilitating injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries. Many workers, however, already have preexisting conditions at the time they suffer a work-related injury.
Can a person get compensation for a pre-existing condition?
In certain circumstances workers may not be entitled to compensation or damages if they aggravate a pre-existing condition at work. This page outlines the key components and highlights important points for employers to consider when implementing processes.
Can a prospective employer request disclosure of pre-existing injuries?
A prospective employer: may request a prospective worker to disclose all pre-existing injuries or medical conditions existing during the period of the employment process that could reasonably be expected to be aggravated by performing their employment related duties
When does a pre existing condition become a medical condition?
A pre-existing disease is a medical condition with which the policyholder is diagnosed before buying the policy. The period for such symptoms/diagnosis is within 48 months before policy purchase. As the name suggests, pre-existing disease’s meaning is that it already exists.