Protect Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee With Starpoint: The #1 Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Santa Monica

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the most joyful and transformative times in your life, filled with excitement, preparation, and support - not stress and uncertainty caused by discrimination at work. 

Unfortunately, some employers fail to understand or respect the rights of pregnant employees, leading to unfair treatment, withheld opportunities, or even wrongful termination. 

It’s heartbreaking and unacceptable, but it doesn’t have to be this way. A pregnancy discrimination attorney in Santa Monica can help. After all, you have rights as a pregnant employee, afforded by both the state of California and the Federal Government.

If you’ve been denied fair treatment, refused reasonable accommodations, or faced retaliation because of your pregnancy, you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

Our legal experts have a track record of winning cases like the one you’re dealing with, and we’re eager to back you as you seek to claim damages and right the ship. 

Get in touch with Starpoint Law for a free consultation and see why we’re the #1 pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Santa Monica.

Understanding Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee

There are a number of protections for pregnant employees in California under both federal and state laws. You have the right to be treated fairly with access to accommodations that help you work safely and comfortably while you’re expecting. Here are some of the key rights to know:

  • The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): This federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Employers must treat pregnant workers the same as other employees with temporary medical conditions.
  • California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): A state law with broader protections than federal law. It prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or any pregnancy-related medical condition. Employers have to work with you to identify and provide reasonable accommodations during and after pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Pregnant employees are entitled to up to four months of unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities under California law - regardless of how long you’ve been employed or the size of the company.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) & California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Both laws give eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for bonding with a new child or recovering from childbirth. These protections often run concurrently with PDL.

Employers are also required to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such as modifying job duties, providing additional breaks, or allowing time off for medical appointments. 

Retaliation or termination for requesting these accommodations is strictly illegal. So if your boss has failed you on any of these grounds, you may have a case our pregnancy discrimination lawyers in Santa Monica can work on. Let’s look at some specific examples below.

Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

Sometimes you can be discriminated against without even realizing it. Certain forms of discrimination are obvious, but others are a bit more subtle. 

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward claiming damages. Here are some situations in which our pregnancy discrimination attorneys in Santa Monica have been called to action:

  • Refusing to Hire: Rejecting a qualified job applicant after learning about her pregnancy.
  • Wrongful Termination: Firing or laying off an employee because she is pregnant or planning to take maternity leave.
  • Denying Reasonable Accommodations: Refusing simple adjustments, such as additional breaks, lighter duties, or modified work schedules, despite a doctor’s recommendation.
  • Reducing Hours or Pay: Cutting a pregnant employee’s hours or salary without justification.
  • Excluding From Opportunities: Overlooking pregnant employees for promotions, projects, or training opportunities based on assumptions about their commitment or capabilities.
  • Harassment: Making inappropriate comments, jokes, or remarks about a pregnant employee’s appearance, condition, or future plans.
  • Forcing Unpaid Leave: Requiring an employee to take unpaid leave when she is still able to perform her job duties with reasonable accommodations.
  • Failing to Reinstate After Leave: Refusing to reinstate a pregnant employee to her previous role or an equivalent position after returning from maternity or pregnancy disability leave.
  • Retaliating for Exercising Rights: Demoting, harassing, or otherwise punishing an employee for requesting accommodations, medical leave, or reporting discrimination.

All too often we see employers disguising discrimination using excuses like “business needs,” or “performance issues.” As a seasoned pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Santa Monica, we see right through these facades. We’ll be your legal advocate if you’ll let us.

Next Steps if You Suspect You’ve Been Discriminated Against for Being Pregnant

Pursuing legal action against your employer (or perhaps past employer at this point) can feel overwhelming, at a time when you just want to focus on your family. 

It doesn’t have to be though, especially when you have a trusted pregnancy discrimination attorney in Santa Monica on your side. Here’s what we recommend you do next if you suspect you have a case:

  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory actions, including dates, times, and the individuals involved. Save emails, messages, performance reviews, or any written communication that supports your claim.
  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with California’s pregnancy discrimination laws, including FEHA and PDL, to understand where your employer may have fallen short.
  • Report the Discrimination: Your company’s internal procedures for reporting workplace discrimination may involve notifying HR or management. This is important as it creates a formal record and allows your employer to address it before escalation. You may not even need a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Santa Monica!
  • Consult Your Doctor: If your employer has denied accommodations, get a written medical note from your healthcare provider outlining the adjustments you need to perform your job safely. Again, this is essential documentation for if the issue escalates.
  • Speak to a Qualified Attorney: Pregnancy discrimination claims can be complex, and having an experienced lawyer on your side can simplify the process and set you up for success. They’ll evaluate your situation, guide you through the legal process, and determine the best course of action to seek justice.

How a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Santa Monica Can Help Prove Your Case

Proving pregnancy discrimination takes a combination of evidence, legal strategy, and experience. At Starpoint Law, our pregnancy discrimination lawyers in Santa Monica know how to build a strong case and hold employers accountable. Here’s what the process looks like:

  • Evaluating Your Claim: We start by thoroughly reviewing your situation to confirm your employer violated federal or California laws. We’ll help you understand your rights and what legal options are available to you.
  • Gathering Evidence: Our team can assist in evidence collection, such as documentation, witness statements, company policies, and communication records. 
  • Establishing a Pattern of Behavior: We look for any past complaints or patterns of discrimination within the company to uncover systemic issues that further support your case.
  • Proving Adverse Action: Whether you were fired, demoted, denied accommodations, or faced harassment, we’ll show how these actions directly correlate to your pregnancy.
  • Engaging in Negotiations: We’ll try to negotiate with your employer to seek a fair settlement so you receive compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages without the hassle of more formal legal proceedings.
  • Representing You in Court: If your employer refuses to take accountability, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. We’ve done it before and have a track record of success fighting for justice in the courtroom.

Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the speciifc pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Santa Monica that you partner with will dictate how smooth of a journey you’re in for. That being said, your search ends here at Starpoint Law. 

Why Starpoint Law is the #1 Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Santa Monica

While there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a pregnancy discrimination attorney in Santa Monica, you can enjoy peace of mind partnering with the legal professionals here at Starpoint Law.

We take the time to listen to your story, understand your challenges, and create a legal strategy tailored to your unique situation. You can rest assured we’ll be aggressive in advocating for you, whether that’s negotiating a settlement or litigating in court.

Most importantly, you’re involved at every step of the process with a transparent experience from A to Z. That includes setting your expectations from the start and eliminating any hidden fees. 

We’re proud to be known as the #1 California pregnancy discrimination lawyer outside of the great city of Santa Monica, too. You can trust us as your legal ally no matter where you work in Southern California, including:

We’re your all-in-one Santa Monica employment attorney, whether you need a wage and hour lawyer Santa Monica or disability discrimination lawyer Santa Monica. A free consulation is just a click or call away.

Your pregnancy should be a time of celebration, not stress. If you believe your rights have been violated, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Starpoint Law, our pregnancy discrimination attorneys in Santa Monica are ready to fight for you. Take the next step today!