Pregnancy Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims
At LCK Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees who face unfair treatment due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Pregnancy discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are unlawful practices that can have serious consequences for both your career and personal well-being. If you have been discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against because of your pregnancy, our experienced team of employment law attorneys is here to help you seek justice and protect your rights.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Under federal laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), as well as state laws like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against pregnant employees. Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Denying a pregnant employee a job, promotion, or raise
- Firing or demoting an employee because she is pregnant
- Requiring a pregnant employee to take leave when it is not medically necessary
- Treating a pregnant employee less favorably than other employees who are temporarily unable to work for non-pregnancy-related medical reasons
Pregnancy discrimination is illegal, and you have the right to fair treatment in the workplace, including reasonable accommodations and leave under the law.
Pregnancy Harassment
Pregnancy harassment involves unwanted, offensive, or derogatory conduct based on an employee’s pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition. This can include:
- Making jokes, comments, or slurs about a woman’s pregnancy
- Shaming or belittling an employee for taking maternity leave
- Excluding a pregnant employee from work-related events or opportunities because of her pregnancy
- Creating a hostile work environment because of pregnancy
Employers are required to take immediate action to address and stop harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. If you are enduring pregnancy-related harassment, you may have the right to pursue a claim for damages.
Retaliation for Pregnancy-Related Claims or Requests
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting her rights under the law, such as requesting pregnancy-related accommodations or filing a complaint about pregnancy discrimination or harassment. Retaliatory actions can include:
- Firing, demoting, or reducing the hours of a pregnant employee
- Denying a pregnant employee promotions, benefits, or job assignments
- Giving a negative performance review or subjecting the employee to unfair disciplinary actions after requesting accommodations or filing a complaint
Retaliation is illegal under both federal and state laws. If you have faced retaliation for asserting your rights regarding pregnancy, maternity leave, or accommodations, you should take action to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.
How We Can Help
At LCK Law, we are passionate about standing up for employees who face discrimination, harassment, or retaliation because of pregnancy or related medical conditions. Our firm provides dedicated legal support to help you navigate the complexities of these claims and pursue compensation for any harm caused by illegal practices in the workplace.
If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and secure the fair treatment and compensation you deserve.