If you were passed over for a promotion, wrongfully terminated, or denied necessary accommodations at work because you were pregnant, you need the help of a Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorney. The legal team at Sparrow Law Group is dedicated to protecting the rights of pregnant employees and new mothers throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
Why Choose Us at Sparrow Law Group?
At Sparrow Law Group, our Los Angeles employment law attorneys believe in fierce advocacy for those wronged by people in positions of power over them. When facing the stress of workplace discrimination, you need an advocate with the tenacity and experience necessary to fight for your rights. Here is why clients trust Sparrow Law Group:
- Dedicated Focus on Employee Rights: Our practice is devoted to holding employers accountable for illegal discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. We stand by your side no matter what.
- Experienced With California Discrimination Laws: California’s anti-discrimination laws, like the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDL), offer some of the strongest protections in the country. We help you know how to build a case to defend your rights.
- Client-Centered Approach: We provide compassionate, personalized legal guidance focused on your well-being and personal goals as a pregnant or new mother.
- Track Record of Results: Our attorneys have a history of securing favorable outcomes, but do not just take our word for it. Read through our client testimonials to see how we have helped others in situations just like yours.
As a Los Angeles-based firm, our pregnancy discrimination attorneys have significant experience with the LA court systems and community, giving us an advantage in representing Southern California employees.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?
Pregnancy discrimination is defined as an employer treating a pregnant employee or job applicant differently or unfairly based on her current pregnancy, a past pregnancy, or a pregnancy-related medical condition, such as breastfeeding or lactation. Examples of illegal pregnancy discrimination include:
- Not hiring a qualified applicant because she is pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Wrongful termination, defined as firing or forcing a pregnant employee to quit, after learning of a pregnancy or a request for accommodation or leave.
- Demotion, job reassignment, or loss of promotion due to pregnancy or the need for maternity leave.
- Harassment by supervisors or coworkers through inappropriate comments about the pregnancy or related activities.
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related issues.
- Failure to allow an employee to return to the same or a comparable job after taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)-protected leave.
These are all forms of sex discrimination, prohibited under both federal law, specifically the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and California state law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
What Rights Do I Have as a Pregnant Employee in California?
California law provides robust protections for pregnant workers on top of the federal standards. Under FEHA, you should not be treated less favorably than other employees due to pregnancy in being hired, getting a promotion, offers of compensation, employment training, receiving benefits, or termination. Employers must provide you with reasonable accommodations, such as help so you do not have to lift heavy objects, providing a stool for a standing job, taking more frequent breaks, or even being transferred to a less strenuous position, if possible.
Under PDL Law, you are entitled to up to four months of job-protected, unpaid leave for times when you are disabled by your pregnancy. Some examples of this could include times where you are experiencing severe morning sickness, have been ordered by a doctor to take bed rest, need to attend prenatal appointments, the actual childbirth, and time required for recovery. Upon your return to work, you are guaranteed reinstatement to your same position or a comparable one. Employers are also required to provide a private, safe, and clean space for lactation, along with a reasonable break time.
After the end of the four months of PDL, you may also be eligible for up to 12 weeks of job-protected bonding time off under the California Family Rights Act. However, certain eligibility criteria need to be met for this.
How Do You Prove Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination?
In a pregnancy discrimination case, you must show that you suffered an adverse employment action, such as a firing, demotion, or denial of accommodations, and that your pregnancy was a motivating reason for that action. Proving a claim relies on gathering evidence such as employee emails, past employment documents, eyewitnesses, and expert witness testimonies, such as a detailed report from your doctor proving that you required accommodations.
Our pregnancy discrimination lawyers work to build a solid body of evidence to back up your claims. Some of this may rely on circumstantial evidence, such as suspicious timing and disparate treatment compared to other employees. We strive to provide a full view into your employment and treatment to build a compelling case on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have To File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in California?
Under California’s strict legal deadlines, you have three years from the date of the last alleged act of discrimination to file your claim. Should you fail to meet this deadline, you could permanently lose any right to pursue legal action.
To meet this time limit, contact a pregnancy discrimination lawyer today. We can help you file an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department and begin filing a lawsuit in court. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather evidence and witness testimony. Contacting a lawyer immediately is the best way to protect your rights and make sure all deadlines are met.
Call Our Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Today
Your pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, not fear for your job. If you believe you have been a victim of illegal pregnancy discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the Los Angeles area, do not delay in getting started.
Contact our team at the Sparrow Law Group LLP today to set up your free, confidential case consultation. Our pregnancy discrimination attorney will review your case and answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights.