Fresno Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, ask yourself these questions:
- Were you disciplined for excessive absences because you had "too many" doctor appointments during working hours?
- Did your employer force you to take leave when you did not want to?
- Were you penalized or terminated because of your pregnancy?
Most employers and employees know that pregnant workers are allowed time off work for prenatal care, doctor's appointments before childbirth and immediately following the birth. The pregnant woman's rights begin before childbirth and an employer must consider all reasonable accommodations immediately. Too often though, employers take actions that unfairly penalize the pregnant worker and do not respect a woman's needs during this time.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA) protect pregnant women and require employers to make reasonable accommodations. If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly, has discriminated against you or has penalized you because of your pregnancy, you should seek out immediate legal help and advice from a proficient gender discrimination lawyer.
Contact the law office of Smith Johnson, Inc. in Fresno, California. We represent workers across northern California bringing cases for employment discrimination and violations of FMLA. Call 559-432-0986 or 916-551-1556 to speak to a Sacramento employment lawyer at our firm who can explain your rights and remedies.
Did You Know?
- You have a right to take intermittent leave for doctor's appointments and even for morning sickness.
- You can take extended leave, but you can also take leaves that are less than a full day.
- You cannot be forced to take medical leave before you are ready.
- You cannot be written up for disciplinary action for pregnancy-related absences.
- You have a right to return to employment after childbirth, although you do not have a right to return to the exact same job at your workplace.
- If your job is gone and another job is not found for you, you may be eligible for back pay and damages.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), your employer is required to make accommodations for pregnancy as a short-term disability. If your employer fails to make "reasonable accommodations," you may bring a lawsuit under the ADA/FEHA for failing to adhere to pregnancy rights at work. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- A shorter work week or different (shorter) work hours
- Time off for prenatal appointments
- Adaptation of job duties
- Reducing numeric work goals to account for protected absences
Contact an Experienced Employee Rights Attorney in Oakland Now
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you because you have a disability or file a complaint about pregnancy discrimination. Our firm will give you emotional support as we thoroughly investigate your case. Our employee rights lawyers also stand ready to use all our litigation techniques and strategy to provoke meaningful negotiation or actively pursue your case in court.
For common-sense, compassionate legal representation contact our California pregnancy and disability attorneys to learn more about how we can help you, during a free consultation.
Smith Johnson, Inc.
2350 W. Shaw Avenue,
Suite 132
Fresno, California 93711
Phone: 559-432-0986 or 916-551-1556
Fax: 559-432-4871 or 916-551-1558