San Diego Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Many people assume that employers have moved past treating a pregnant employee differently merely because they expect a baby. However, even in today’s modern work environment, pregnancy discrimination still exists. No one should tolerate discrimination in the workplace.
Our San Diego pregnancy discrimination lawyers of Ferraro Vega work with women who have experienced discrimination based on pregnancy. Our legal team fights to ensure that women receive the same rights and privileges as all other workers, regardless of their condition. In other words, we work to stop pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.
If you believe you’ve faced discrimination because of your pregnancy, contact our law office at (619) 693-7727. Our San Diego employment law attorneys will explain your legal rights during a free consultation. Then, our lawyers come up with actionable legal strategies regarding your California discrimination claim.
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How Our San Diego Employment Law Attorneys Can Help if You’ve Been Discriminated Against at Work
Workplace discrimination is a serious matter. State and Federal laws protect workers from harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Still, your employer may violate them. When your employer breaks the law, you need a legal advocate on your side who will fight for fair and just treatment.
When you hire our legal team in San Diego, CA, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the circumstances that led to your situation
- Gather evidence proving workplace discrimination or harassment
- Carefully analyze your options for filing state and federal discrimination or harassment complaints
- Determine whether you need to file a civil lawsuit against your employer seeking damages
- Vigorously represent your best interests throughout the case
- Use all of our available resources to obtain compensation for your damages
At Ferraro Employment Law, Inc., we understand that you have been through a traumatic experience. Being the victim of workplace discrimination or harassment can result in emotional damages and financial losses. We will do everything we can to aggressively pursue a discrimination case on your behalf.
Please reach out to our law firm to discuss your case with a San Diego employment lawyer. There is no charge for your initial consultation to discuss your rights as an employee in California.
You are under no obligation to hire our law firm after meeting with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in San Diego, California.
How Do I Know if I Am the Victim of Pregnancy Discrimination?
As with other forms of workplace discrimination, pregnancy discrimination may be subtle. You might not even recognize that you are being discriminated against. Other forms of pregnancy discrimination are glaring.
Examples of actions that might indicate pregnancy discrimination include:
- Not being hired because you are pregnant
- Being fired soon after disclosing you are pregnant
- Being fired after you return from pregnancy leave
- Losing a promotion opportunity after you announce your pregnancy
- Being left out of important meetings or specific projects after you become pregnant
- Requiring you to take leave and remain on leave until your baby is born
- Denying you equal pay and benefits
- Restricting opportunities, training, and job assignments based on your pregnancy
- Refusing to grant temporary disability leave for pregnancy-related conditions
- Being the victim of sexual harassment because of the pregnancy
You may have several legal options for holding your employer accountable for unlawful acts. Our San Diego pregnancy discrimination attorneys will review your case free of charge.
Federal Laws Protecting Pregnant Women in the Workplace
The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits employers from discriminating against workers due to their pregnancy. It prevents employers from taking actions like those listed above against a pregnant worker.
The PDA also requires employers to provide accommodations to a pregnant worker. These accommodations are the same accommodations the employer provides other workers who have temporary medical conditions.
Therefore, pregnant workers are entitled to receive:
- Light duty
- Modified tasks
- Disability leave
- Alternative assignments
- Leave without pay
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant women who may suffer pregnancy-related health conditions.
After your baby is born, you are also entitled to certain protections under federal law. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) states that a new parent is entitled to three months leave to care for their infant after childbirth.
However, not all workers qualify for leave under the FMLA. It is wise to check with a San Diego employment lawyer about your rights under the FMLA before or soon after becoming pregnant.
California Laws That Prohibit Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
In addition to federal laws, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects pregnant employees in California. Unlike federal laws, FEHA applies to a more significant number of employers. Also, FEHA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for medical restrictions during pregnancy. This requirement exists even if the employer does not offer the same accommodations to disabled employees.
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) is another essential state law that protects pregnant women in the workplace. It requires employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for women who cannot work because of their pregnancy.
California’s temporary disability insurance program provides benefits if an employee cannot work due to pregnancy-related conditions. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use these benefits.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Diego Employment Law Attorneys
Being pregnant should be a joyous occasion. Pregnancy discrimination causes unnecessary stress for you and your baby. Our San Diego pregnancy discrimination lawyers are here to help.
Contact our office to schedule your free appointment with one of our lawyers. We want to help you obtain the benefits you deserve and hold employers liable when they break the law.
