Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer | Glendale
Announcing a pregnancy to an employer can significantly impact a woman's work life. Far too often, instead of support and congratulations, they're met with a cold shoulder, fewer opportunities, or even a pink slip. Not only is this morally wrong, it's illegal.
If you’re experiencing unfair bias or discrimination in your workplace because you are pregnant, a Glendale pregnancy discrimination lawyer can work with you to secure your rights and the accommodations you’re entitled to. At Starpoint LC, our experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyers are well-versed in workplace pregnancy discrimination and its damaging effects. And we’re determined to fight for a just workplace where employers treat pregnant workers with the dignity all employees deserve.
Reach out to us and let us help you set things straight. From drafting official complaints to standing up to your employer in the courtroom, we're committed to securing the fair treatment and equality you’re entitled to.
What Does a Glendale Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Do?
At Starpoint LC, we offer compassionate advocacy and empathetic support. We are here to provide the guidance you need to protect your rights and ensure that your employer treats you fairly. As your partner in the fight against pregnancy discrimination, the following are just a few of the services we offer:
- We can explain your legal rights and protections, including the right to reasonable accommodation and leave and the right to be free from a hostile work environment;
- We can evaluate your situation to determine if your employer violated your rights under federal and state laws and advise you as to the best course of action;
- We can help gather and preserve evidence that supports your claim, such as emails, internal memos, witness statements, and employment policies;
- We can represent you in negotiations with your employer, aiming for a settlement without the need for litigation that might include compensation for damages or changes to workplace policies;
- We can represent you during alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation or arbitration, which are often quicker and less adversarial than court trials;
- We can assist you in filing a formal complaint with the appropriate government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the relevant state agency; and
- If necessary, we can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to seek remedies, including back pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages, and legal fees.
If you face unjust employer conduct, don't hesitate to contact us. We will fight to hold your employer accountable and end discriminatory treatment. Better yet, having our competent pregnancy discrimination team on your side increases your chances of walking away with the resolution you deserve.
Let us help you protect your career and finances throughout your pregnancy journey.
What Are Some Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in The Workplace?
Workplace pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an expectant mother unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The following are examples of both subtle and outright pregnancy discrimination:
Refusal to hire—not hiring a qualified candidate solely because they are pregnant or may become pregnant;
Denial of reasonable accommodations—failing or refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees;
Unwarranted discipline—punishing pregnant employees more harshly than non-pregnant employees for the same errors or performance issues;
Forced leave—requiring pregnant employees to take mandatory leave, regardless of their ability to continue working;
Demotion or job reassignment—demoting a pregnant employee or reassigning them to a less desirable position based on assumptions about their capabilities;
Reducing work hours—cutting a pregnant employee's hours without their consent and not based on work performance or business needs;
Exclusion from training or advancement opportunities—denying a pregnant employee access to training, professional development, or advancement opportunities available to other employees;
Pay cuts or salary freezes—reducing a pregnant employee's salary or freezing their pay while allowing for pay increases and bonuses for non-pregnant employees.
Denial of maternity leave—refusing to grant maternity leave or penalizing an employee for taking it, despite being eligible under company policy or federal and state laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA); and
Harassment—subjecting a pregnant employee to harassment, such as making derogatory comments about her pregnancy, which creates a hostile work environment.
Determining the motive for your employer’s actions can be challenging, especially when distinguishing between pregnancy-related discrimination and legitimate employer conduct. At Starpoint LC, our seasoned pregnancy discrimination lawyers have the keen insight to assess workplace dynamics and identify if you're experiencing bias.
Contact us soon so we can thoroughly evaluate your case and determine if your employer's actions are discriminatory and illegal.
FAQs
Are There Laws That Specifically Protect Against Pregnancy Discrimination?
Yes. Discriminatory workplace practices are illegal under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for Pregnancy Discrimination?
Yes. Speaking with a pregnancy discrimination attorney can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. A lawyer can help you navigate complex laws, protect your rights, and ensure you receive a fair result, even in the most challenging situations.
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting with a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?
It's helpful to bring any documents related to your employment and the discrimination you've faced. This includes employment contracts, employer communications, medical records about your pregnancy, notes on incidents of discrimination, and any witness contact information.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Not all cases go to trial; many are resolved through settlements. Your lawyer will work towards the best possible outcome, which may include negotiating a settlement or, if necessary, representing you in court.
How Long Does a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit Typically Take?
The duration of a lawsuit varies widely based on case complexity, the parties’ willingness to settle, and the court's schedule. Your lawyer can give you an estimate based on their experience with similar cases in Glendale.
Are There Different Rules for Pregnancy Discrimination If I Am A Part-Time Or Contract Worker?
No. Pregnancy discrimination protections typically apply to all workers, including part-time and contract employees. However, specific rights and protections may vary, so it's important to consult with a skilled lawyer at Starpoint LC about your particular situation.
What If the Discrimination is Coming from My Direct Supervisor?
Discrimination from any employee, including supervisors, is unacceptable and illegal.
Can a Lawyer Help If My Employer Fired Me for Being Pregnant?
Yes. A lawyer can assess the circumstances of your termination to determine if it was unlawful and assist you in seeking reinstatement, compensation, or other remedies.
Can A Pregnancy Discrimination Claim Impact My Future Employment Opportunities?
While it's illegal for employers to discriminate against you for filing a claim, worrying about your professional reputation is understandable. A pregnancy discrimination attorney at Starpoint LC can discuss confidentiality and strategies to minimize any potential negative impact on your career.
Contact Starpoint LC Today
At Starpoint LC, our unwavering commitment to upholding justice has earned us an impeccable reputation. We pride ourselves on being legal experts with an impeccable track record. We've never lost a case, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive the finest legal representation when you work with us. Contact us today for a free consultation.