Trusted Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys in Beverly Hills & Rancho Cucamonga, CA
At Mehtani Law Offices, P.C., our Beverly Hills pregnancy discrimination lawyers would like to believe all California employers fully embrace their employees’ family goals. Unfortunately, because of our experience in employment law, we know that is not true.
Our Los Angeles County employment lawyers also know when a woman becomes pregnant, the anxiety and stress she feels from keeping up with work — and ensuring her position is stable upon her return — can cause significant personal and professional hardships both during her pregnancy and after the baby is born.
The reality is, pregnant and working moms have a lot on their plates. The last thing they need is to be discriminated against in the workplace. Luckily, California has some of the most stringent pregnancy discrimination laws in the country, and our skilled Beverly Hills employment law attorneys are here to help enforce them.
From the moment you contact our offices, you will gain immediate access to our skilled attorneys who have trained at powerhouse firms working for Fortune 50 employers in high-stakes employment litigation, without paying any upfront or out-of-pocket costs. If we do not win your case, you will pay nothing for our legal services. Call us now to learn more.
Which State and Federal Employment Laws Protect Pregnant Employees?
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against a woman based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a pregnancy-related medical condition.
Under PDA, a California employer cannot:
- Deny a pregnant employee:
- Equal pay.
- Fringe benefits.
- Opportunities for job assignments, promotions, and training.
- Identify pregnancy-related conditions for medical clearance procedures that are not required of other employees.
- Require a woman to remain on leave until her baby is born.
- Prohibit an employee from returning to work for a set amount of time after having a baby.
- Refuse a pregnant employee temporary disability leave if other employees are given the same right.
- Refuse to hold a job for a pregnancy-related absence for the same length of time that jobs are held for employees on disability or sick leave.
Besides the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees suffering from pregnancy-related health conditions.
Employers must also give pregnant employees the same workplace accommodations provided to temporarily disabled employees, or to those who are on leave for health conditions.
That may include:
- Alternative assignments.
- Disability leave.
- Leave without pay.
- Lighter duty.
- Modified tasks.
In addition, the protections when (FMLA) provides pregnant women with unique workplace protections, when they work for a qualifying employer.
Locally, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), contains provisions guaranteeing leave for employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition called Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL).
FEHA also requires employers to provide pregnant women with reasonable accommodations when they have medical restrictions, even when they do not offer the same accommodations to other disabled employees.
In addition, California Family Rights Act (CFRA) applies to employers with five or more workers, and provides up to four months of unpaid leave to employees who cannot work because of pregnancy.
What Can I Do If I Am Discriminated Against in the California Workplace for Being Pregnant?
Pregnancy discrimination can come in varying forms — all of which are illegal. Whether you have been denied frequent bathroom breaks, the time off to attend doctor’s appointments, been passed over for a promotion because you are going on maternity leave, or were terminated while pregnant, you have rights as a California worker, and we can help you uphold and enforce them.
If you have been subjected to pregnancy discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, we want to help you pursue your employer for the legal remedy you are entitled to by both state and federal laws.
If you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, there are certain steps you must take before filing a lawsuit against your California employer.
Pregnant California employees must first file a discrimination claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Either agency will investigate the claim and decide whether to file a lawsuit on the worker’s behalf. If the state or federal agency declines to pursue a claim, the individual will be given a “right to sue” letter.
This letter paves the way for the employee to file a claim with the help of an experienced California employment law attorney. We can help guide you through the process, so your claim is taken seriously by the state or federal agency, and your employer.
You do not have to face either of these intimidating agencies alone. We are here to protect your rights, and ensure they are enforced, so you can pursue the outcome you deserve.
Contact Our Trusted Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys in Beverly Hills & Rancho Cucamonga, CA Today
No matter where you work or live, you have rights as a California employee, and the Beverly Hills employment law attorneys at Mehtani Law Offices, P.C. are here to protect them.
Contact our skilled pregnancy discrimination lawyers in Beverly Hills at 310-776-3590 to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your unique circumstances with a law firm that can help pursue real results for your case.