In Los Angeles, common pregnancy accommodations you can get at work include extra breaks, more flexible scheduling, modified work duties, and the option to work remotely.
Pregnant employees in California have rights. If you work in Los Angeles and have been denied accommodations, treated unfairly because of your pregnancy, or disciplined for requesting assistance, you have the right to take legal action.
A Los Angeles employment lawyer from Omega Law Group Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you file a claim and pursue compensation.
What Pregnancy Accommodations Can You Get at Work in L.A.?
Pregnancy affects everyone differently, which is why workplace accommodations vary from person to person.
Depending on your medical needs and job duties, you may be entitled to accommodations such as:
- More frequent breaks: You may have additional opportunities to rest, sit down, eat, or drink water throughout the workday.
- Additional restroom access: Pregnancy often requires more frequent bathroom breaks, and your employer should allow reasonable access.
- A modified schedule: You may be able to start later, leave earlier, or temporarily adjust your hours to accommodate medical appointments or pregnancy-related symptoms.
- Modified duties: If your job requires heavy lifting or intense physical activity, your employer may need to modify your duties.
- Seating accommodations: If you normally stand for extended periods, you may be entitled to a chair or stool.
- Remote work: If your position allows it, working from home may be a reasonable accommodation.
- Time off for prenatal appointments: You generally have the right to attend necessary medical appointments related to your pregnancy.
Who Qualifies for Pregnancy Accommodations?
In California, virtually all pregnant employees qualify for workplace accommodations under the California Civil Rights Department guidelines, provided your employer has 5 or more employees, and you have a medical need related to pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery. You do not have to be a full-time employee to be eligible.
You may qualify for accommodations if you are experiencing:
- Morning sickness
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Sciatica
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Swelling
- Pregnancy-related anxiety or depression
- Pregnancy complications
- Medical restrictions from your healthcare provider
An employment lawyer from Omega Law Group can assess your situation and explain whether you qualify for accommodations.
What to Do if You Are Pregnant and You Need an Accommodation
If you need to ask your employer for a pregnancy-related accommodation, you should:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical restrictions.
- Obtain documentation explaining the accommodations you need.
- Notify your employer as soon as practical.
- Submit your request in writing.
- Document any denial or refusal to engage in the process.
- Continue performing your job duties (if possible).
Can Your Employer Deny Your Accommodation Request?
Your employer is not required to approve every accommodation request you submit. If your request would cause undue hardship for the business, your employer may legally reject it. That said, they generally cannot decline a reasonable request without considering possible solutions.
In most situations, your employer is expected to engage in an interactive process with you to determine whether an effective accommodation can be provided. If they reject your request without a valid reason, you may have grounds for legal action.
An attorney from Omega Law Group can advise you on next steps if your employer has unjustly denied your accommodation request.
What if My Employer Retaliates?
California law prohibits your employer from retaliating against you for requesting pregnancy accommodations, taking protected pregnancy-related leave, reporting discrimination, or asserting your workplace rights.
Retaliation doesn’t just mean illegal termination. Your employer might reduce your hours, assign you less favorable shifts, deny you a promotion, suddenly criticize your performance, exclude you from meetings, or create a hostile work environment after you disclose your pregnancy or request an accommodation.
If you believe your employer has retaliated against you, a lawyer from Omega Law Group can help you pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered.
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Why Hire a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer?
Pregnancy accommodation disputes can get complicated fast.
A Los Angeles employment attorney from Omega Law Group can assist by:
- Reviewing your situation: An employment lawyer can evaluate your accommodation request, your employer’s response, and any changes in your treatment at work to determine if you have grounds for legal action.
- Gathering evidence: A lawyer can help collect important records, including emails, medical documentation, workplace policies, and other evidence that supports your claim.
- Handling employer communications: An attorney can communicate with your employer or their representatives and seek a resolution.
- Negotiating a settlement: A lawyer can negotiate for compensation and other remedies if your employer violated your rights.
- Filing a legal claim: An attorney can help you pursue an employment lawsuit if your employer refuses to address the problem.
- Protecting you from further retaliation: A lawyer can take steps to help ensure your employer does not continue retaliating against you for exercising your workplace rights.
Speak to an Employment Attorney in Los Angeles
Pregnant workers in California have rights. If your employer has violated yours, a Los Angeles employment attorney from Omega Law Group can help you file a claim and seek compensation.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with a lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
