Pregnancy should be a joyous time, but for many pregnant employees, it can be fraught with tension at work. If you believe you have been discriminated against, a Palmdale pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help.
Our Palmdale employment lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you understand your legal options. We may be able to seek compensation for your wrongful termination or hostile workplace environment. Reach out today for a free consultation. Putting our clients first. Always!
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when a pregnant person faces harassment or unfair employment consequences due to their pregnancy. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, the state has strict worker protection laws that protect against actions such as:
Wrongful Termination
Having your job terminated during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth without cause. You can be fired while pregnant, but your employer will need to prove that it was done due to performance issues rather than the pregnancy itself.
Denial of Opportunities
If your employer denies you a promotion or other type of advancement at work because you are pregnant, this can count as discrimination. Your employer may try to point to job performance or other reasons for the denial, so it’s important to have metrics and documentation for your claim.
Denial of Reasonable Accommodations
Pregnancy is hard on the body, which means that employers must offer reasonable accommodations similar to those they offer disabled employees. For example, if you are pregnant and your employer makes you stand on your feet for eight hours straight rather than accommodating you with a chair, you may have a pregnancy discrimination claim.
To show that your reasonable accommodation request was denied, you would need to show the request and the follow-up from your employer.
Denial of Time Off Requests
What are your family and medical leave rights in California? Pregnancy leave typically comes in two forms: through your employer (paid by the employer) and/or through the state of California (not paid by the employer). If your employer denies requests for time off for pregnancy complications, childbirth, or child-bonding time after birth, you may have a discrimination claim against them.
Harassment
If a colleague or supervisor is making discriminatory or harassing remarks about your pregnancy, it can create a hostile workplace. For example, repeated references to your weight gain during pregnancy could be a form of harassment.
Each action comes with its own set of circumstances and a need for proof.
What Proof Do You Need to Support a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
In order to show that you were discriminated against, there are some key pieces of helpful evidence. These include:
- Your termination notice.
- Any communication with the employer about your pregnancy, time off requests, job duties, accommodations, or termination of employment.
- Eyewitness statements for any instances of verbal discrimination.
Your lawyer can investigate and gather documentation on your behalf.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
Fair compensation in pregnancy discrimination claims aims to give you peace of mind and relieve the financial stress that the discrimination has caused. Your Palmdale pregnancy discrimination attorney will fight for compensation such as:
- Lost wages.
- Future wages if you were not reinstated or lost employment opportunities and earning capacity.
- Emotional distress.
In some cases, your employer may be required to reinstate you to the same level of employment as you were before pregnancy.
How Can a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Palmdale Help With Your Case?
Facing the stress of a complicated claim and going up against an employer can feel insurmountable. That’s where Omega Law Group comes in. As your lawyer, we advocate for fair treatment and fair compensation.
We can:
- Gather needed documentation to prove discrimination.
- File all necessary paperwork, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Handle all communication and negotiations with the employer.
- Represent you in court, if necessary.
We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, client-focused legal services. Our testimonials and thousands of 5-star reviews speak to how we treat our clients.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Pregnancy Discrimination Case in Palmdale?
Under California’s statute of limitations, you typically have three years to file a discrimination claim. However, there can be exceptions to this rule. Your attorney will discuss the expected timeline for your case and keep you updated on its progress.
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What Should You Do If You Are Being Discriminated Against Because of Pregnancy?
If you have been discriminated against, there are a few important steps you can take. These include:
- Document everything: Keep records of all written communication with employers or colleagues. If you are sent messages via apps, ensure that you screenshot them. For any verbal communication, make notes on exactly what was said by whom.
- Report the issue: Elevate your complaint to your supervisor or the human resources department. You should always do so in writing so that you have a record of the complaint.
- Reach out for support: Pregnancies can be stressful, and having workplace issues on top may create emotional distress. Ensure that your mental and emotional health needs are being taken care of.
- Contact a Palmdale pregnancy discrimination lawyer: Reach out to a legal team to start your claim and get legal advice.
Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Palmdale
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms. Whether you were wrongfully fired, denied accommodations, or faced verbal harassment in the workplace, we can help you take legal action.
At Omega Law Group, our lawyers treat clients like family. We fight for the fair compensation and accountability that matters to our clients. Contact us today and get started on your case with a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay our fees if we recover compensation for you.
