Were you fired after you told your boss that you were pregnant? If you were not fired, are you being treated differently than others who are not pregnant, like denial of work privileges, pay cut, and reduced hours? You may be experiencing pregnancy discrimination, which is against the law. However, how can you tell for sure that your employer is violating your rights? Do you have a case for monetary damages if you lost your job after you announced a pregnancy?
It’s extremely important for wrongful termination victims to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group is here to evaluate your situation and verify your eligibility for a lawsuit. We can provide you with guidance and support every step of the way, and ensure that your employer compensates you for the financial and emotional harm caused by their actions.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Discrimination based on pregnancy falls under the category of sex discrimination in the workplace. This is illegal according to California and federal laws, but unfortunately, pregnant women are often targeted for unfair treatment.
A woman, for example, may be demoted or denied opportunities for promotions after she tells her supervisor that she needs maternity leave. Because she suspects pregnancy discrimination by the employer, the worker reports her concerns to Human Resources. The problem is not resolved, and in fact, escalates to offensive and harassing comments. Eventually, the worker is told that she does not need to come back after she leaves to have her baby.
Do you believe that you lost your job because of pregnancy discrimination? Our attorneys are available to you 24/7, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Laws that Prohibit Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnant employees are protected by numerous laws that make it illegal for employers to discriminate against then. In other words, the employer cannot make adverse employment decisions, like termination of employment, based on the worker being pregnant or issues related to their pregnancy. Federal and state laws protecting you from pregnancy discrimination include:
- Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees cannot be discriminated against based on protected traits, such as race, religion, age, gender, and pregnancy.
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act that specifically protects employees from pregnancy discrimination and related conditions, like childbirth and need for breastfeeding accommodations.
- The Fair Employment and Housing Act is a California statute that prohibits discrimination of employees that belong to protected categories, which include pregnancy
What Can I do if I Got Fired Because I’m Pregnant?
Do I have a case if I was fired after my boss found out I was pregnant? Yes, you may have grounds to file an illegal termination claim against your employer. To start the legal process, you must file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (a federal agency) or California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Make sure to consult a labor law attorney for which department you need to file with and how to prepare the necessary paperwork.
Once the EEOC or the DFEH investigates your case, they may provide you with a letter known as a Right to Sue notice. This way, you can move forward with a lawsuit and sue your employer for monetary compensation.
Am I Eligible for a Lawsuit?
At the end of the day, your right to file a lawsuit for pregnancy discrimination is based on the response you get from either the EEOC or the DFEH. So, it’s essential that you build a solid case with extensive evidence, which you can accomplish with help from a California employment attorney.
Please note that employment claims and lawsuits come with strict deadlines, which we can talk to you about during a free consultation. It’s essential that you initiate a wrongful termination claim as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will miss the statutory deadline, along with the opportunity to sue your employer for taking away your job without legal justification.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Sue?
If you decide to go ahead with a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit, yes, you can request various forms of compensation from your employer. What are the payments you can demand in a lawsuit? How much compensation can you reasonably ask for? Based on the details of your termination and other unfair treatment you were subjected to, here are the damages that may be available to you:
- Lost income for the wages / salary that was lost as a result of being fired illegally.
- Lost work benefits like retirement contributions, health insurance, value of PTO, etc.
- Pain and suffering for the mental anguish associated with discriminatory / abusive treatment from your employer, including termination
- Punitive damages that may be awarded by a jury if the employer’s actions were especially malicious or negligent.
- Reinstatement of your job if it’s deemed appropriate based on the status of your relationship with the employer.
Help from a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
We all deserve fair and respectful treatment in the workplace, but some companies break the rules and discriminate against employees that are pregnant or need accommodations because of a pregnancy. You may also be subjected to discrimination once you return to work from pregnancy leave and need accommodations for pumping breast milk. California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group is here to educate you on your rights and help you figure out a way to move forward.
Our law firm works on contingency, thereby ensuring that you do not have to worry about paying for a lawyer that specializes in wrongful terminations. Our fees are based on winning your case and collecting a percentage of the funds you receive from your employer. So, you have the assurance that you will never be charged for the cost of legal services if we fail to secure a settlement.
For a free case review with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer, contact our office today.
