If you’re pregnant or have recently given birth, you have enough on your plate without also dealing with the stress of discrimination. Our Bakersfield pregnancy discrimination lawyers can fight for accountability for the stress and financial strain you are under.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Bakersfield employment lawyers treat clients like family. We know the anxiety and fear that being harassed or wrongfully terminated can bring.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Find out why our motto is, “Putting our clients first. Always!”
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits the unfair treatment of pregnant employees and job applicants. This treatment can include, but is not limited to:
- Wrongful termination: If you are fired due to your pregnancy or pressured to quit.
- Demotions or Income Cuts: If you are demoted to a lower position, such as going from manager to an assistant manager, or your income is lowered.
- Not hired: If you apply to a job and are not hired because you are pregnant.
- Lack of reasonable accommodations: If an employer refuses to accommodate your pregnancy, such as not letting you take time off for the birth of a child, not allowing you to sit at work, or not allowing restroom breaks.
- Harassment: If a supervisor or colleague is treating you unfairly or cruelly due to your pregnancy, you may have a harassment claim.
If you have been discriminated against, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
What Compensation Can You Recover After Pregnancy Discrimination?
Compensation for pregnancy discrimination can be for both financial and non-financial losses. These can include:
- Lost wages, including back pay and benefits.
- Diminished earning capacity, if you lost out on advancement opportunities or are unable to find a comparable job.
- Emotional distress.
- Attorney’s fees.
In some cases, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages from the employer as well.
How Can a Bakersfield Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Help With Your Case?
You may feel like you’re facing a losing battle going against an employer. However, with the help of our legal team, you can put your best foot forward with your claim. We will:
- Handle all communications with the employer and their legal team.
- Gather evidence to support your discrimination claim.
- Represent you at all stages of the legal process.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
Every step of a discrimination case is important: from the initial claim filing to the final hearing. We understand the importance to you, and we fight for a fair outcome.
Why Choose Omega Law Group?
At Omega Law Group, every client is treated like our top priority. You’ll get frequent updates and communication, compassionate legal service that focuses on your goals, and support through every step of the case.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. In fact, you only pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you. Our results speak to our commitment to recovering fair compensation, while our testimonials speak to our client care while doing so.
What Is the Deadline for a Pregnancy Discrimination Case in Bakersfield?
In California, you generally have three years to file your initial complaint. However, if you are planning to file a lawsuit, the timeline will be different. Discuss your questions and concerns with your Bakersfield pregnancy discrimination lawyer about what deadlines apply to your case.
During your free case consultation, we can discuss the expected timeline for your case as well as the best legal option for you.
How Is a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim Proven?
Your discrimination claim needs to be proven through documentation and other evidence. Your lawyer can investigate to gather additional evidence when needed.
Helpful evidence for your claim can include:
- Witness testimonies, from coworkers or others who witnessed the discriminatory act(s).
- Emails, text messages, letters, or other communications.
- Any official paperwork regarding employment.
- Personnel files.
Your attorney can carefully review the evidence and build a strong claim for compensation.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against?
It’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed when you are dealing with pregnancy discrimination. However, there are some key steps to take that can protect your legal rights. These steps are:
Document Everything
Keep track of all of the communication between you and the employer (or supervisor). This includes emails, text messages, and official letters. It should also include screenshots of any messages sent via apps, such as Slack or Teams, as these can be deleted.
While written communication is important, verbal communication should also be documented. Take notes after conversations where discrimination occurred. Write down what was said by whom, when, and where it occurred, and if there were any witnesses to the conversation.
File a Formal Complaint
Reach out to the human resources department and file a formal complaint. Do so in writing, so that you have an official record of having made the complaint.
Get Support
Discrimination can make you feel anxious and depressed. Reach out for support, such as with a therapist, to take care of your mental and emotional health.
Additionally, contact an employment lawyer to get the legal support you need.
Contact Omega Law Group Today
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy or recent childbirth, reach out to a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Bakersfield today. The legal team at Omega Law Group is here to advocate for you.
We will gather evidence to build a strong claim, negotiate for a fair settlement, and take the legal burden off your shoulders. Reach out today for a free initial consultation.