Pregnancy Discrimination

Northern California Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

• Were you disciplined for excessive absences because you had "too many" doctor appointments?
• Did your employer force you to take leave when you didn't want to?
• Were you disciplined or terminated because of your pregnancy?

While 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 accommondations immediately. Too often, employers take actions that unfairly penalize the pregnant worker.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA)protect pregnant women and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations. If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly, has discriminated against you or penalized you because of your pregnancy, you need immediate legal help and advice.

Contact the law office of W.J. Smith & Associates 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 an employment lawyer who can explain your rights.

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
• 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. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• A shorter work week or different (shorter) work hours
• Time off for prenatal appointments
• Adaptation of job duties

Contact a Discrimination Attorney

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you because you have a disability or file a complaint about pregnancy discrimination. We will give you emotional support as we thoroughly investigate your case.

For common-sense, compassionate legal representation, contact our California pregnancy and disability attorneys.