At the Markarian Law Firm, we understand the importance of protecting the rights of pregnant individuals in the workplace. Our team of experienced pregnancy discrimination employment attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that pregnant employees receive fair treatment, free from discrimination. If you have faced adversity, harassment, or unfavorable employment decisions due to pregnancy, we are here to provide you with the legal support you deserve.
Our Approach to Pregnancy Discrimination Cases:
- Empathetic Understanding: Pregnancy discrimination can be emotionally challenging. Markarian Law Firm attorneys approach each case with empathy, providing a supportive environment while comprehensively understanding the unique aspects of your situation.
- Expert Legal Guidance: With a deep understanding of pregnancy discrimination laws, our legal team is well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of your case. We stay current of the latest legal developments to provide the most effective representation for our clients.
- Client-Focused Advocacy: Your well-being and rights are our top priorities. Throughout the legal process, Markarian Law, PC maintains open communication, keeping you informed and involved. Our client-focused approach ensures that you play an active role in building and pursuing your case.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace:
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of their pregnancy or related conditions. This can manifest in various ways, including:
- Termination or layoff: Being fired or laid off due to pregnancy.
- Unfavorable job assignments: Receiving less desirable or lucrative tasks compared to non-pregnant colleagues.
- Denial of training or opportunities: Being excluded from training or professional development opportunities offered to others.
- Promotions and pay disparities: Being passed over for promotions or denied raises despite qualifications.
- Benefits and compensation: Facing unequal access to health insurance, bonuses, or other benefits.
- Break and accommodation restrictions: Being denied meal breaks, rest breaks, sick leave, or reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy.
- Restrictions on doctor’s visits: Facing limited time or difficulties attending necessary prenatal appointments.
It’s important to note that employers often mask discriminatory actions with seemingly unrelated justifications. Proving pregnancy discrimination legally requires demonstrating several key factors:
- Employer responsibility: The employer was subject to relevant pregnancy discrimination laws.
- Unfair treatment: You were treated differently and less favorably than non-pregnant individuals.
- Pregnancy-related reason: The unfair treatment was connected to your pregnancy.
- Harm or disadvantage: You suffered negative consequences due to the discriminatory actions.
Maternity Leave Rights and Protections for Pregnant Employees:
In addition to the general protections against pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, several laws in the United States and California specifically address maternity leave rights for new mothers. These laws aim to ensure that women are not penalized for taking time off to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns.
Federal and State Maternity Leave Laws:
- The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This law grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health conditions, including pregnancy-related disabilities or for baby-bonding leave. Both mothers and fathers can take FMLA leave to care for a new child. However, eligibility requirements apply, such as working for a certain period and at a location with a minimum number of employees.
- California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDL): This law grants up to four months of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related disabilities, offering broader coverage than the FMLA.
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA): This law grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for baby-bonding and family care, available to both mothers and fathers.
- California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program: This program provides up to four weeks of paid leave for pregnancy-related disabilities and eight weeks of paid leave for baby-bonding and newborn care.
Employer Requirements and Unlawful Practices:
Employers are legally obligated to comply with these maternity leave laws and cannot impose additional or discriminatory requirements.
Here are some unlawful practices related to maternity leave:
- Requiring a pregnant employee to remain on leave until childbirth.
- Curtailing or extending maternity leave based on pregnancy.
- Denying job reinstatement after leave.
- Failing to hold a job open for a pregnant employee on temporary disability leave for the same duration as other temporarily disabled employees.
Seeking Legal Help:
If you believe your employer has violated your maternity leave rights or engaged in pregnancy discrimination, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified employment law firm such as the Markarian Law Firm by calling 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274). The consultation is free and there is No FEE UNTILL WE WIN!
Our Areas of Expertise Include:
- Wrongful Termination: If you have been wrongfully terminated due to your pregnancy or related conditions, Markarian Law Firm attorneys will aggressively pursue justice and seek compensation on your behalf.
- Failure to Accommodate: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. If your employer has failed to make necessary accommodations, Markarian Law, PC will advocate for your rights.
- Harassment: Harassment based on pregnancy is unacceptable. Markarian Law, PC will work to address instances of harassment, creating a workplace free from discrimination.
- Denial of Leave: If you have been denied maternity leave or faced negative consequences for taking legally entitled leave, Markarian Law Firm attorneys will fight to protect your rights.
- Unequal Treatment: Pregnant employees deserve equal treatment. If you have experienced disparate treatment compared to non-pregnant colleagues, Markarian Law, PC will work to rectify the situation.
Why Choose The Markarian Law Firm?
- Proven Advocacy: Markarian Law Firm has a successful track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients.
- Dedicated Legal Team: Our attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of pregnant individuals in the workplace, providing thorough and dedicated legal representation.
- Customized Legal Strategies: We understand that each case is unique. Markarian Law Firm attorneys provide personalized attention, tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs of your situation.
Take the first step towards justice. Contact Markarian Law, PC today at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) for a free and confidential consultation. Let us be your advocates in the fight for your employment rights under the law.
No Fee Unless We Win Guarantee:
Our employment law firm operates on a contingency fee basis when representing victims of pregnancy discrimination. This means clients do not bear any out-of-pocket expenses and are not responsible for attorney fees unless the case is won or settled. If the case does not result in recovery, the client incurs no attorney fees. Consulting with experienced work discrimination lawyers of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274) can empower you to assess your situation and explore potential legal remedies – and the best part is it won’t cost you anything unless we win!
