Whittier Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney In Whittier, CA

For many people, being pregnant can be a wonderful experience, filled with anticipation for the future. When a person experiences discrimination in Whittier for what is typically a joyous occasion, this can cause emotional and financial hardship. If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, you are not alone. As a Whittier pregnancy discrimination lawyer, Esperanza Anderson can help you receive the fair treatment you deserve.

Pregnancy Discrimination Cases

​​Pregnancy can be one of the happiest times in your life. Discrimination comes in many forms, some more subtle than others, but it’s always serious. Many clients have reported feeling forced out of their employment positions because of pregnancy.

Workplace supervisors assume that employees who are pregnant demonstrate reduced job commitment or become too distracted to perform their duties effectively. The problem is that not only are those ideas wrong, they are illegal. I have stood up for women who lost their positions after they announced their pregnancy, as well as those denied medical leave or terminated after requesting maternity leave.

Federal and California pregnancy discrimination laws prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against employees because they are pregnant or experiencing childbirth and related medical conditions. The laws are in place to ensure you are treated fairly.

Federal Protections for Pregnant Workers

California and federal pregnancy discrimination laws deem it illegal for employers and potential employers to discriminate against those who are pregnant or have related conditions and circumstances. Esperanza Anderson is here to help.

Federally, pregnancy discrimination falls under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It states that any employer with 15 or more employees must treat pregnant employees the same as any other employee who is similar in their ability or inability to work. For instance, if an employer provides modified assignments or light duty to employees with temporary injuries, they must do the same for a pregnant employee.

Another key law is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave with job security after establishing employment with a qualifying employer for the birth of a child and bonding period, or when serious pregnancy-related health concerns demand it.

State Protections for Pregnant Workers

California provides even greater protection. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers with five or more employees from discriminating against individuals based on pregnancy or related medical conditions, including hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment.

The state also mandates Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL). The Pregnancy Disability Leave grants up to four months of protected absence for employees who experience disability due to pregnancy or childbirth-related medical complications. This leave is in addition to time available under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), which allows up to 12 weeks of bonding leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

Almost 1 in 4 (23%) mothers report they have thought about quitting their jobs because they have not received reasonable accommodations or have feared discrimination while pregnant. 1 in 5 mothers (20%) report they have actually faced pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.

Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms. It can be blatant, like getting fired, but sometimes it’s more subtle and not as easy to recognize. Examples of conduct that may be unlawful include:

• Denying you promotions or job opportunities after becoming aware of your pregnancy.
• Refusing reasonable accommodations recommended by your doctor, like more frequent breaks, light duty, or modified tasks.
• Pushing you to take leave before you want to or forcing you out of your role completely.
• Harassing, mocking, or otherwise treating you differently because of your pregnancy.
• Returning from maternity leave only to find your job has been given away or your pay reduced.

What to Do if You Suspect Pregnancy Discrimination

If you believe you are facing pregnancy discrimination, the steps you take afterwards can have a drastic effect on the outcome of your situation. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

• Record everything. Keep emails, text messages, performance evaluations, and any other written communication that demonstrate how you are being treated differently from your peers. Write down the dates, times, and details of relevant conversations.
• Request written medical support. If your doctor suggests that you require accommodations, you should ask them to write a note or provide a medical certification that outlines their recommendations. This can be helpful evidence if your employer refuses your request.
• Remember that you have rights. Both California and federal law provide protections for pregnant employees. You may feel like your employer is in the right, but even if they say your rights are limited, they are not.
• Hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer early. You do not need to wait until you have been terminated to speak with an attorney. A Whittier pregnancy discrimination attorney can provide guidance about your available actions and assist you in communicating with your employer while safeguarding your legal claims.

Why Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?

Filing a pregnancy discrimination complaint in Whittier is more complex than simply identifying the unfair treatment you have experienced. It also involves a deep understanding of California and federal laws, as well as gathering evidence and negotiating. As your attorney, I can evaluate your situation and work to obtain relevant documents, while also identifying less-obvious patterns of discrimination.

Your lawyer can negotiate with your employer or their legal counsel, acting on your behalf and helping to protect your rights and interests. This can minimize your stress and anxiety, while also allowing you to maintain focus on your pregnancy and job. If you do need to file a claim, I can represent you in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, located in Whittier.

About Esperanza Anderson

I’m Esperanza Anderson, a Pasadena employment lawyer who serves employees throughout Los Angeles County, Whittier included. I take every case personally, speak Spanish, and passionately fight for workers who’ve been subjected to pregnancy discrimination and other unfair employment practices, guiding them through the legal process with compassion and competence.

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If you experienced pregnancy discrimination, Esperanza Anderson can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today to get started.