Welcoming a new baby should be a joyful time, but many workers face unfair treatment at work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical needs. If your employer treated you differently because you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or may become pregnant, a Glendale pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you understand your rights. At Sparrow Law Group, a Glendale employment law attorney can review what happened, explain your options, and help you take action if your employer broke the law.
Why Choose Us at Sparrow Law Group?
When your job and your family’s future are on the line, you need a legal team that takes your concerns seriously. Sparrow Law Group represents employees in workplace cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other unlawful treatment.
- Insight from both sides: Our attorneys have experience with how employers defend workplace claims, helping us to prepare strong cases for employees.
- Personal attention: We listen to your story, explain each step clearly, and treat your case with the care it deserves.
- No fee unless we win: You do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination happens when an employer treats a worker or job applicant unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, a pregnancy-related medical condition, or the possibility of becoming pregnant. It can happen during hiring, while you are working, while you are on leave, or after you return to work.
This type of discrimination can take many forms. An employer may refuse to hire you because you are visibly pregnant, fire you after learning you are pregnant, cut your hours, lower your pay, take away job duties, deny a promotion, or move you to a worse position.
Pregnancy discrimination may also include harassment, rude comments, unfair discipline, or pressure to quit. An employer also cannot force you to take leave before it is medically needed just because you are pregnant.
What Are My Rights as a Pregnant Employee in California?
California law provides important protections for pregnant workers. Your employer cannot fire, demote, harass, punish, or treat you worse because you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or need pregnancy-related medical care.
You may also have the right to reasonable accommodations, such as extra breaks, light duty, limits on heavy lifting, a temporary transfer, or time off for medical appointments. If your doctor says you cannot work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition, you may also qualify for up to four months of unpaid, job-protected pregnancy disability leave.
When you return from approved leave, you generally have the right to return to the same job or a similar position. Your employer also cannot retaliate against you for requesting accommodations, taking leave, reporting discrimination, or standing up for your rights.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in California?
In many California employment discrimination cases, you must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before filing a lawsuit. In many cases, you must file this complaint within three years of the last discriminatory act. Other claims may have different deadlines, so it is best to speak with our attorneys as soon as possible.
Call a Glendale Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today
You should not have to choose between your job and your growing family. If you faced unfair treatment at work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, Sparrow Law Group is ready to help. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Glendale pregnancy discrimination lawyer.