Downey Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy Termination Attorney In Downey, CA

When an employer violates your rights, a strong Downey pregnancy discrimination lawyer can hold them accountable. Esperanza Anderson knows how challenging it can be to balance family and work life. Our firm can fight for your rights.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Esperanza Anderson provides compassionate legal guidance to clients from all backgrounds. Though she may be small in stature, she’s known as a fierce Downey employment lawyer who advocates for employees. She stands up to corporations that break the law.

Pregnancy Discrimination Laws in California

On average in the U.S., one in five mothers experiences pregnancy discrimination at work. In FY 2024, the EEOC received 150 reports of pregnancy discrimination in California.

Pregnancy discrimination can be emotionally, financially, and professionally devastating. You could lose wages, miss promotional opportunities, and even be unjustly terminated.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it illegal for employers to:

• Refuse to hire a pregnant applicant.
• Force a pregnant employee to take leave when she’s able to work.
• Deny promotions and training opportunities because of pregnancy.
• Terminate or demote an employee because of pregnancy or maternity leave.

However, this act only applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

California provides even broader protections through the Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Under these laws, employers can’t discriminate or retaliate against pregnant workers. Employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, and they’re eligible for disability leave and CFRA leave.

Signs of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination can be obvious or subtle. Some common signs of discrimination include:

• Sudden changes in treatment after you announce your pregnancy
• Denied promotions or training you would have previously been considered for
• Negative performance reviews without real justification
• Pressure to take unpaid leave or resign early
• Reduced hours, demotion, or reassignment to less desirable duties
• Termination shortly after informing your employer of your pregnancy or return from leave

A Downey pregnancy discrimination attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your legal rights, and help you determine which course of action to pursue.

Pregnancy Discrimination Cases and What to Expect

When you’re facing a pregnancy discrimination case, you may feel overwhelmed. Esperanza Anderson can guide you through each stage of the process with clarity and compassion.

Here are some of the usual steps involved:

• Consultation. During your initial meeting, we can discuss your case and review evidence. Then, we can determine if your employer’s actions violated state or federal pregnancy discrimination laws.
• Filing a complaint. Before we can file a civil claim, we’ll need to file a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Investigation and negotiation. Once a complaint is filed, the agency may investigate the case or allow you to pursue a private claim.
• Litigation. If settlement negotiations fail, Esperanza Anderson can file a civil claim in the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Southeast District – Downey.

Compensation in Pregnancy Discrimination Cases

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to different forms of compensation, depending on the harm you suffered. These can include:

• Lost wages and benefits for the time you were out of work
• Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, and humiliation
• Punitive damages if the employer acted particularly hostile manner
• Attorney’s fees and court costs in certain instances
• Reinstatement to your former position or a comparable one

The exact outcome depends on your circumstances. Esperanza Anderson can pursue maximum compensation under the law to address the harm you suffered.

Why You Should Choose to Work With Esperanza Anderson

Pregnancy discrimination can overlap with many other types of workplace discrimination. These can include retaliation, disability discrimination, or wrongful termination. As a Downey employment lawyer, Esperanza Anderson can identify all potential violations involved in your case.

Our firm can investigate the employer’s conduct and document patterns of discrimination. She provides representation throughout communications with your employer, HR, and other legal representatives, all while advising you on your rights.

FAQs

Is It Hard to Win a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?

Winning a pregnancy discrimination case can be tough. It requires proving that the employer’s actions were directly tied to your pregnancy. Employers may claim other reasons for firing or demoting you.

To prove your case, you need strong documentation, such as emails, witness statements, or performance reviews from before and after your pregnancy announcement. Success often depends on the clarity of evidence, the strength of your legal representation, and whether your company has a history of discrimination.

How Can You Prove Pregnancy Discrimination?

To prove pregnancy discrimination, you’ll need to show that your employer treated you unfairly because of your pregnancy. For proof, you should gather emails, texts, or verbal comments that reference your pregnancy in a negative light. You can also note any sudden schedule changes, demotions, or terminations. Witness statements and documentation can show your employer’s shift in how you were treated.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for Pregnancy Discrimination?

Compensation for pregnancy discrimination really depends on the situation. It can include lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Cases involving severe retaliation or long-term career damage may result in a higher settlement. The strength of your case also determines the payout, along with whether the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) pursues your claim or allows you to do so yourself.

How Long Does a Pregnancy Discrimination Case Take?

The timeline for a pregnancy discrimination case varies. When filing through the CRD, you must wait for their approval before filing a legal claim. If your case goes to court, the discovery and negotiation periods can draw out the timeline. Clear cases where the employer is willing to settle don’t take nearly as long.

Schedule a Consultation

Call Us Today(626) 219-6773

Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace because of pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity leave, Esperanza Anderson can help. She can explain the pregnancy discrimination laws and your legal options. She can listen to you, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact her office today to set up a consultation.