Pregnancy discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of those who are pregnant or have recently given birth. California provides some of the strongest state protections against pregnancy discrimination.
If you have been treated unfairly, a Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination lawyer from Moon Law Group can help you seek compensation.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or unequally while they are pregnant or after they have given birth. Some common forms of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Being fired or demoted: Being fired or demoted after disclosing a pregnancy and not being provided a reasonable explanation.
- Having a job offer rescinded: A job offer rescinded after a pregnancy is disclosed.
- Reasonable accommodations being denied: For example, if your doctor has recommended sitting for extended periods rather than standing, but your employer refuses to provide a chair.
- Leave being refused: If your employer refuses to grant pregnancy leave requests (including pregnancy disability leave and baby bonding time).
- Harassment: Demeaning comments related to your pregnancy or childbirth.
If you were fired or are facing pregnancy discrimination, a Los Angeles workplace discrimination lawyer from Moon Law Group can build your case.
For a free legal consultation, call 213-232-3128
How Does California Law Protect Against Pregnancy Discrimination?
California has some of the strongest protections for employees in the country, and these laws protect pregnant workers from discrimination. Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), any discrimination or harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions is explicitly banned.
In California, there are protections for:
- Fair treatment from employers: Employers cannot fire, demote, or refuse to hire based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
- Pregnancy Disability Leave: This is up to four months of leave if a doctor attests that you are disabled due to pregnancy or childbirth.
- Health insurance: An employer must continue health insurance payments while you are on Pregnancy Disability Leave.
- Lactation accommodations: A nursing employee must be accommodated for milk expression during their workday.
- Reinstatement: Being able to return to your job and the same level after returning from leave.
Additionally, laws protect you from an employer retaliating against you for filing a discrimination claim against them.
The legal team at Moon Law Group can help you understand your legal options after discrimination.
What Can You Do If You Were Discriminated Against?
If you were discriminated against because of pregnancy or childbirth, you have legal options. You have the right to file a claim through the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and to seek compensation from employers.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
The compensation that a lawyer from Moon Law Group can pursue for you depends on the circumstances of your case. You may be entitled to:
- Backpay: The wages you would have received had you not been fired or demoted.
- Frontpay: These are the wages you would have earned in the future (if getting your job back is not an option).
- Non–economic damages: Compensation for the anxiety, depression, and emotional distress caused by the discrimination.
- Attorney fees: Your employer may be required to cover your attorney’s fees and other legal expenses.
- Job reinstatement: In some cases, your employer may be required to rehire you to the same position that you held previously.
Deadline for Pregnancy Discrimination Cases
In California, you typically have three years to file a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Once they issue a Right-to-Sue notice, you will then have one year to file a discrimination lawsuit.
There may be exceptions to this timeline, so the sooner you get started on your case, the better your chances of recovering compensation.
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What Should You Do to Protect Your Case?
If you are facing pregnancy discrimination, there are a few steps you can take to protect your legal rights. These steps are:
- Submit a formal complaint to your company’s human resources department. This creates a chain of evidence that your complaint was not addressed.
- Keep any messages you’ve received from employers, where the discrimination was discussed or where you were harassed. If these messages were solely on your work email or messaging platforms, screenshot or forward them to your personal email.
- Keep notes on anything said to you. Try to remember exactly what was said, by whom, when it was said, and if there were witnesses.
- Contact a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles from Moon Law Group.
- Do not sign anything or give recorded statements until you have spoken with your attorney.
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How Can a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Help With Your Case?
Whether you lost your job or have been harassed, the stress of your situation can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about how you’ll pay bills or whether this will hurt your ability to get a new job in the future. Your lawyer takes on the legal process, so you have confidence in your next steps.
Your lawyer can:
- Gather evidence of the discrimination.
- File all needed paperwork, ensuring accuracy and timely filing.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with your employer and their legal team.
- Represent you in court, when necessary.
Your lawyer will support you throughout the process, ensuring you understand your rights and where your case stands.
Contact a Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Today
If you were discriminated against, you don’t have to face your employer on your own. Moon Law Group is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We will fight for the fair compensation you deserve after discrimination or harassment.
Reach out today, and we can get started on your case with a free case consultation.
Call or text 213-232-3128 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form