Pregnancy Discrimination
California Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Defending Your Rights and Equality
At Grigorian Law, P.C., we are committed to securing justice for victims of pregnancy discrimination in California. The following provides comprehensive information about pregnancy discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and how we can assist you if you’ve been subject to such discriminatory practices.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. Under FEHA, it is unlawful for employers in California to discriminate based on these factors.
Recognizing Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Hiring Practices: Refusing to hire an applicant due to her pregnancy, despite being qualified for the job.
- Pregnancy Accommodations: Failure to provide reasonable accommodations and flexibility for pregnancy-related needs.
- Parental Leave: Denying or discouraging maternity leave or penalizing an employee for taking it.
- Harassment: Subjecting an employee to derogatory comments, inappropriate jokes, or uncomfortable situations because of her pregnancy.
Pregnancy Discrimination Scenarios
Here are a few scenarios that may constitute pregnancy discrimination:
- An employer refuses to hire a visibly pregnant applicant despite her qualifications.
- A pregnant employee is denied light duty or frequent breaks, which have been provided to other employees with temporary medical conditions.
- An employee is demoted or terminated shortly after announcing her pregnancy.
Remedies for Pregnancy Discrimination
If you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination, you may be entitled to remedies including:
- Back pay for lost wages
- Front pay for future lost wages
- Reinstatement to your job
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages
What to Do if You Experience Pregnancy Discrimination
If you believe you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination:
- Document the Discrimination: Maintain a detailed record of every incident, including dates, places, people involved, and the nature of the discrimination. If you have informed your supervisor or human resources department in writing (e.g., email or text message), then make sure to save a copy or screenshot of the writing.
- Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential legal action.
Further Information
For more detailed information about FEHA and pregnancy discrimination, you can visit the Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s website at www.dfeh.ca.gov.
How We Can Help
At Grigorian Law, P.C., we specialize in representing plaintiffs in employment pregnancy discrimination cases. We provide legal representation to plaintiffs, advocating for your rights and dignity. If you believe you’ve been a victim of pregnancy discrimination, you may contact us for a free consultation.
Your ability to work and succeed should not be hindered by your pregnancy or childbirth. We’re here to ensure your rights are upheld and protected.
