Long Beach is a progressive city, embracing diversity of all types. However, some supervisors still hold antiquated beliefs about the role of women and mothers in the workforce. These beliefs can manifest as pregnancy or gender discrimination against pregnant workers or new parents. If you believe you’re a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, the Long Beach pregnancy discrimination lawyers at King & Siegel LLP are ready to help.
Our firm protects employees’ rights, including against pregnancy discrimination. We work tirelessly to enforce federal and state legal protections and equal treatment of pregnant workers in all employment contexts.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?
Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or job applicant is mistreated due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. In Long Beach, this discrimination can take various forms, such as:
- Wrongful termination,
- Denial of maternity leave,
- Refusal to hire due to pregnancy,
- Demotion because of recently giving birth,
- Refusing a request for reasonable accommodations, or
- Reducing or eliminating opportunities for advancement.
Subtle forms of discrimination, like a gradual reduction in duties or passive-aggressive remarks, are also common. Some employers think they can escape repercussions if they terminate an employee after she returns to work from her maternity leave.
If you suspect your employer is discriminating against you, our Long Beach pregnancy discrimination attorneys can help. King & Siegel LLP offers free, no-obligation consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us.
Laws Protecting Against Pregnancy Discrimination
In California, anti-discrimination laws like the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) can protect your right to maternity leave in certain circumstances. The Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL) says that employees at companies with more than five employees can take up to four months of job-protected pregnancy disability leave. This leave can include disability before and after childbirth. These state laws work with federal regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to accommodate limitations a worker might face due to their pregnancy or a pregnancy-related disability. The employer should give you reasonable accommodations if you qualify for a job but cannot perform a non-essential task. Reasonable accommodations might include extra break time, modifying your schedule, and providing a more comfortable work environment. Provided the accommodations are necessary and are not too disruptive or too expensive, the law requires they provide it.
There’s also a newly enacted law enacted in 2023 called the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) that addresses an employer’s requirement to make reasonable accommodations unless it would cause undue hardship. It does not replace federal, state, and local laws that offer greater protections. It just enhances them.
All these laws cover various work and maternity leave aspects and mandate reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions. Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit employers from taking adverse action against you.
When you meet with a lawyer from our office, we’ll explain these laws and how they potentially impact your case.
Why Hire Long Beach Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers for Your Case
Considering a Long Beach pregnancy discrimination lawsuit? Hiring a lawyer can be crucial due to the complexities involved with these laws. A pregnancy discrimination attorney can assist you by:
- Providing an objective perspective and compassionate guidance,
- Analyzing relevant federal and state laws,
- Collecting and preserving evidence to build a strong case,
- Handling communications and potential negotiations with your employer,
- Preparing your case for all legal hearings, and
- Representing you in all legal proceedings.
King & Siegel LLP’s employment discrimination lawyers are adept at seeking justice for employees whose employers have wronged them. We will work tirelessly to negotiate a settlement. However, we’re also prepared to litigate your case if necessary. When you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you in a pregnancy discrimination case, your chances of receiving fair compensation and benefits improve.
Why Choose King & Siegel LLP
You have many choices for Long Beach pregnancy discrimination lawyers, so you might wonder why you should hire King & Siegel LLP. We handle employment law cases exclusively and have decades of combined experience protecting employee rights. Our goal isn’t just to get you justice; we aim to shift the narrative about pregnancy and parenthood in the workplace.
We tailor our legal support to your unique case because everyone’s situation differs. We offer:
- Complimentary case evaluations,
- Full legal representation through trial,
- Relentless pursuit of justice and fair compensation, and
- Assistance in reviewing employment policies for compliance.
King & Siegel LLP stands out because we provide all clients with personal attention. We take the time to learn about your goals and develop a strategy that best serves them. We’re driven by a passion for justice and a belief that everyone deserves top-quality legal representation, especially during vulnerable times like facing discrimination due to pregnancy.
Contact King & Siegel LLP
Facing pregnancy discrimination in Long Beach shouldn’t be a process you undertake alone. Let King & Siegel LLP guide you every step of the way. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.