If you have been treated unfairly or negatively as a job applicant or at work solely because you are pregnant, that likely constitutes pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles. This prohibited form of discrimination sadly still occurs.
If you were discriminated against, a Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination lawyer from Omega Law Group can help.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
Pregnancy discrimination can happen while pregnant or after childbirth. It typically involves unfair treatment or harassment. Below are some specific types of pregnancy discrimination commonly seen in Los Angeles:
- Being fired or laid off because of acts like disclosing a pregnancy or requesting maternity leave.
- Having a job offer withdrawn because you disclosed you were pregnant.
- Being denied a promotion due to pregnancy or recently giving birth.
- Having your pay or hours reduced.
- Having doctor-recommended accommodations refused, such as more frequent breaks or being able to sit while working.
- Having time off requests related to pregnancy refused.
- Not being reinstated to your position when you return from maternity leave.
- Being subjected to harassment, bullying, or negative remarks about your pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
While there are sometimes simple explanations, such as a job offer being withdrawn because of a lack of funding, it’s important to know when pregnancy discrimination has occurred. The legal team at Omega Law Group can investigate and determine whether you were discriminated against.
What Laws Protect You Against Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
In California, pregnant workers are protected by both the federal-level Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the state-level Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans businesses from discrimination based on pregnancy or childbirth.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act bans employers from harassing, discriminating against, or retaliating against employees or applicants who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
When an employer does discriminate against you, these laws allow employers to be held accountable.
What Compensation Can You Get for Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles?
Being discriminated against can impact your life in a variety of ways. You may have lost income or be dealing with the emotional fallout of what you went through. A Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorney at Omega Law Group can seek compensation for you.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Lost wages: If you were fired or forced to quit, you may be able to recover your present lost wages, future pay, benefits, and potential bonuses.
- Emotional distress: The emotional and mental toll of the experience.
- Punitive damages: These are sometimes awarded if the employer’s behavior was particularly egregious.
- Attorney and court fees: If the employer is found in the wrong, they may be required to pay your attorney’s fees.
Your lawyer will seek fair compensation for what you’ve been put through.
What Is the Deadline for a Pregnancy Discrimination Case in Los Angeles?
While many choose to pursue a case as quickly as possible, you may have emotional or other barriers that keep you from doing so. In California, you generally have three years to file a complaint about the employer with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
How Do You Prove Pregnancy Discrimination Occurred?
Once you understand what constitutes pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles, you can begin to look for evidence that it occurred. The legal team at Omega Law Group can investigate your claim and gather evidence that helps support it.
Some evidence that may be helpful includes:
- Proof that you were fired or demoted shortly after your pregnancy was revealed.
- Written communication, such as texts or emails, that discuss your pregnancy or have a sudden and unexpected change in tone.
- Screenshots of messages sent on Slack, Teams, or other communication channels used at your workplace.
- Witness statements, such as from coworkers, that can support your explanation of what happened.
- Changes in policies that explicitly seem to reference your situation or be a result of your recently disclosed pregnancy.
Your lawyer may also be able to find a trend of the employer firing or demoting employees for pregnancy or childbirth-related reasons.
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What Should You Do If You Believe You Were Discriminated Against?
If you believe you were unfairly fired or demoted, or have been harassed at your workplace, because of a pregnancy or recent childbirth, there are a few key actions to take. These actions can help protect your legal rights for seeking accountability from the employer.
You should:
- Make notes about what was said to you.
- Keep any written communications somewhere other than your work email. For example, forward emails to your personal inbox.
- Take screenshots of messages, as they may later be deleted.
- Ask for clarification if you are demoted or otherwise penalized and you believe it is related to your pregnancy.
- Contact an attorney at Omega Law Group.
- Take care of yourself. This can be an emotionally exhausting process, and it’s important to seek the help and care you need.
Reach Out to a Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today
What constitutes pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles? Pregnancy discrimination can include unfair firings or demotions, withdrawn job offers, and even workplace bullying or harassment. If you’ve been a victim of discrimination, Omega Law Group is here to help.
Omega Law Group’s legal team will fight for your legal rights to a fair workplace environment. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation about your case. Our lawyers will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
