My doctor released me on limited duty due to a health related problem. After I notified my employer about this, they terminated me due to inability to perform my normal tasks. Have I been terminated illegally?

Ann Kiernan replies:

Probably not, under federal law anyway. In January, 2002, the US Supreme Court held that workers who cannot do their jobs because of injury, but are still able to perform the daily tasks of living, such as dressing themselves, brushing their teeth, gardening, cleaning and cooking, are NOT disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act. State laws in some places, including California, New York, and New Jersey, provide more protection; check with a local employment lawyer.

For more on the Supreme Court's decision about disability, click here.