Pregnancy discrimination is unfortunately quite common in Los Angeles, but it often goes underreported. If you’ve faced a wrongful termination, demotion, had a job offer withdrawn, or were otherwise treated unfairly due to your pregnancy, you have legal options.
A Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you recover compensation after discrimination.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination, and Is It Against the Law in Los Angeles?
Pregnancy discrimination is the unfair treatment of an employee due to a pregnancy or recent childbirth. It is against the law both on a state and federal level. Pregnancy discrimination covers a range of unfair treatment, including:
Hiring and Firing Decisions
Pregnancy discrimination can affect both current and prospective employees. Some examples include:
- Withdrawing a job offer if the employer learns you are pregnant.
- Firing you after you disclose a pregnancy.
- Demoting you after you disclose a pregnancy or when you return after childbirth.
- Withdrawing a job promotion after a pregnancy is disclosed.
Reducing pay or cutting hours can also be signs of workplace discrimination for pregnant employees.
Workplace Decisions
When you are pregnant, you may require medical accommodations. For example, you might not be able to stand for long periods of time and require more rest breaks. If employers deny accommodation requests, that could count as pregnancy discrimination.
Additionally, denying reasonable leave requests based on pregnancy can also constitute discrimination. If you believe that you have been discriminated against, a Los Angeles employment lawyer from Omega Law Group can help.
How Common Is Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
Understanding just how common pregnancy discrimination is in Los Angeles can be hard to report accurately. Many employees fear retaliation from employers or quietly settle out of court, leading to fewer stats. However, a recent survey from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that one in five moms experience pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.
Laws against pregnancy discrimination include the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). California also has laws regarding family leave after pregnancies so that parents have time to bond with their new children.
The legal team at Omega Law Group can help you understand your legal rights as an employee.
Can You Sue for Pregnancy Discrimination?
Yes, you can sue if you have been discriminated against during pregnancy or after the birth of a child. In California, you generally have three years to file a pregnancy discrimination complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD). Typically, you then have one year from the complaint date to pursue a civil lawsuit.
What Compensation Can You Recover if You Sue for Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
Pregnancy discrimination can have far-reaching effects on your life. You may lose your job or access to benefits, as well as feel stress and trauma from the discrimination itself. You may be able to recover compensation for both the economic and non-economic effects of discrimination.
A lawyer from Omega Law Group may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- Back pay.
- Lost benefits.
- Front pay (for future earnings if you were demoted or fired).
- Emotional distress.
- Punitive damages, if the employer’s actions were found to be malicious.
- Attorney fees and court costs.
How Do You Prove Pregnancy Discrimination Occurred?
Except in cases where an employer puts it in writing that the pregnancy was the reason for a firing or demotion, it can be complicated to prove that discrimination occurred. The legal team at Omega Law Group carefully investigates to gather evidence that strengthens your claim.
Some evidence that can strengthen a claim includes:
- Witness statements.
- Written communication from employers, such as texts or emails that discuss the firing, accommodations, or a demotion.
- Written notices, such as the withdrawal of a job offer.
- Messages on workplace communication channels, such as Slack or Teams.
- A clear timeline of events, such as a firing happening within a week of you disclosing a pregnancy.
- Medical records, such as a doctor’s note showing you had requested accommodations that were later refused.
Each piece of evidence can build a compelling case that the discrimination occurred and that it affected you.
What Should You Do if You Are Facing Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
Pregnancy discrimination is all too common, and knowing what to do when you face it can be essential. Below are some actions that can help protect your legal rights in pregnancy discrimination cases.
Document Everything
Emails and other important information can become lost when you lose access to a work account or device. Always forward emails related to firings, performance, or other discrimination-related concerns to a personal email.
You should also screenshot any messages on work-based systems related to the discrimination, as they can be deleted after the fact. Keep text messages and voicemails from your employer as well.
Take Notes
Keep track of the timeline of events and everything you can remember from verbal communications you had with your employers.
Seek Help When You Need It
In addition to contacting an employment lawyer from Omega Law Group, seek personal help when you need it as well. Pregnancy discrimination can be stressful, especially on top of a pregnancy or a new child. Seek support when you need it.
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Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Los Angeles Today
How common is pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles? Pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles is sadly a common occurrence. If you were discriminated against, you have legal options for recovering lost wages and other losses. The legal team at Omega Law Group can help.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
