PRACTICE AREA
PASADENA PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION LAWYER
When an employer refuses to accommodate a pregnant employee or terminates their employment, an otherwise joyful time can become extremely stressful. Riggins Law has represented numerous employees in pregnancy discrimination lawsuits. We know the pregnancy laws well and can provide the legal support you need during this important time.
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Pregnancy Discrimination in California
In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against workers because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This means employers cannot fire an employee for pregnancy or maternity leave. It is also illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire an employee because they are pregnant or have had an abortion. Similarly, employers cannot demote an employee for requesting accommodations for pregnancy. Workers who believe they have been discriminated against because of their pregnancy should contact a Pasadena pregnancy discrimination lawyer.
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I never thought I would be involved in a lawsuit-much less for 6 years!! But I do feel qualified in the time I spent with Christa to call myself an expert regarding what it was like to work with her. My case was against a Police Department, and went to trial.Christa held my hand through it all-she was ALWAYS there to pick me up, dust me off and talk me UP. She helped make me strong. She was always a phone call or email away, explaining everything thoroughly. She worked tirelessly-always with my best interest at heart. And what a huge heart it is. She is very detail oriented and grasped the case better than I even thought was possible! I thought this case would never end, but now that it has-I will miss working with her! Thank you for winning WITH me. Thank you for being so very different, so authentically you!!
Kristal
Pregnancy Discrimination Client
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms, some obvious and some subtle. Common examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Being fired after informing your employer of your pregnancy or a related medical condition
- Being passed over for a promotion or raise after disclosing your pregnancy
- Being demoted or reassigned to a less desirable position because of your pregnancy
- Having your hours reduced after requesting pregnancy-related accommodations
- Denied a job because you are pregnant or because your employer assumes you will need time off
- Being denied reasonable accommodations for a pregnancy-related medical condition
- Being retaliated against for requesting or taking pregnancy disability leave.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may have a legal claim. Contact our Pasadena pregnancy discrimination lawyer for a free consultation.
Pregnancy Disability and Baby Bonding Leave
The Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (“PDLL”), the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), and the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”) govern pregnancy leave in California. Under the PDLL, an employer must provide an employee disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition up to four months of job-protected leave. Notably, the courts interpret the four months of leave as a floor, not a ceiling. Thus, under some circumstances, an employer must grant an employee leave beyond the four months provided by the PDLL. Specifically, an employee who continues to be disabled by pregnancy may be entitled to an extended leave of absence.
Furthermore, the CFRA gives qualified employees an additional 12 weeks of leave to bond with a child. To be eligible for CFRA leave, an employee must: (1) have been employed by the employer for at least 12 months as of the date leave commences; (2) worked at least 1,250 hours for the employer during the previous 12-month period; and (3) have been employed at a worksite where the employer had at least 5 employees within a 75-mile radius.
Request a free case evaluation with a Pasadena pregnancy discrimination lawyer via our online contact form or at 626-365-1599.
Workplace Accommodations for Pregnant Employees
Under FEHA, employers with five or more employees are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment that allows the employee to perform the essential functions of her job. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Modified duties or temporary reassignment to a less physically demanding role
- More frequent rest or bathroom breaks
- Permission to sit rather than stand for extended periods
- A modified work schedule or flexible hours
- Telework or remote work arrangements
- A leave of absence beyond what the PDLL requires
An employer may only deny a requested accommodation if it would cause an undue hardship to the business. If your employer has refused to accommodate your pregnancy-related condition, you may have a legal claim for pregnancy discrimination.
Retaliation Against Pregnant Employees
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for requesting pregnancy-related accommodations, taking pregnancy disability leave, or complaining about pregnancy discrimination. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, a reduction in hours or pay, a negative performance review, or a hostile work environment.
Retaliation claims are among the most common claims in California because employers often look for a pretext to discipline or terminate a pregnant employee. If adverse employment actions began after you disclosed your pregnancy, requested accommodations, or took leave, the timing alone can be powerful evidence of retaliation
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in California, you may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Lost wages, benefits, and future lost earnings
- Emotional distress damages for the anxiety, humiliation, and suffering caused by the discrimination
- Punitive damages in cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious
- Attorney’s fees and costs
California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country, and juries have returned substantial verdicts in pregnancy discrimination cases.
Request a free case evaluation with a Pasadena pregnancy discrimination lawyer via our online contact form or at 626-365-1599.
Riggins Law as Your Pasadena Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Not all employment lawyers are the same. Riggins Law exclusively represents employees, never employers. Furthermore, Christa personally handles every case from the initial consultation through trial, ensuring you receive the highest-quality representation at every stage.
Christa has dedicated her practice to representing employees in pregnancy discrimination and other employment cases. If your employer has discriminated against you because of your pregnancy, contact us today for a free consultation.
Tell Us About Your Case
Call us today, or complete the contact form on this page, for a free consultation with our wrongful termination attorneys. We take most cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee for our services unless we win your case at trial or successfully resolve your case outside of court.
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