Torrance Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Torrance, CA – $1.6M+ Recovered

Becoming pregnant should be an exciting time in your life. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination is common throughout California, and the city of Torrance sees frequent instances of it every year. When you face unfair treatment at work because you’re pregnant, you have the right to take legal action to protect yourself. If your employer is treating you poorly, fires you, or demotes you because of pregnancy, a Torrance pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help.

About Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

​At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we are devoted to protecting the rights of California employees managing complex labor and employment claims. Founded in 2011, our firm has assisted countless employees in holding employers accountable for their harmful actions. Our founding attorney, Emanuel Shirazi, has seen firsthand how discrimination can impact a worker’s life and works tirelessly to advocate against discriminatory practices.​

What Is Considered Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

​Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue that plagues workplaces across the United States. A 2022 poll from the Bipartisan Policy Center revealed that 20% of moms have personally experienced pregnancy discrimination at work. Additionally, 12% of all workers polled reported that they have personally witnessed situations they perceived to be pregnancy discrimination.​

To put it simply, if an employer fires, demotes, refuses to hire, or otherwise takes adverse action against a pregnant candidate or employee because of the pregnancy, the employer is likely engaging in pregnancy discrimination in California—an issue a Torrance Employment Lawyer can help address.

​What Rights Do Pregnant Employees Have in California?

​California has some of the most extensive employee protection laws in the country. According to the Department of Fair Labor and Housing, pregnant employees in California are guaranteed the following rights:​

• Reasonable Accommodations. Employers are required to provide pregnant employees with reasonable accommodations, if needed, to help them do their jobs. For example, if a pregnant cashier requests a chair when cashiers are usually required to stand for their shifts, the employer should grant the request because it does not diminish the pregnant employee’s ability to do the job.
• Potential Modification of Job Duties. If a pregnant employee’s job is particularly physically strenuous or otherwise poses a health hazard because of the pregnancy, the employer is required to transfer the pregnant employee to an alternative position, if available, or modify the employee’s job duties.
• The Ability to Take Leave. Pregnant workers are entitled to up to four months of pregnancy disability leave, or PDL.
• Access to Private Quarters for Personal Care. Employers must provide a private lactation room or area for breastfeeding workers.

How Does Pregnancy Disability Leave Work in California?

​Pregnancy disability leave, or PDL, aims to give pregnant employees the flexibility they need to take care of their medical needs, as well as to give birth and recover from giving birth. The amount of PDL a pregnant employee can take is determined by their physician, who may need to provide the employer with a written order.

​While employers are legally allowed to pay employees who are on PDL, they are not required by law to do so. The leave does not have to be taken all at once at the end of the pregnancy. Rather, it can be spread out as needed to accommodate doctors’ appointments, prescribed rest, or treatment for medical conditions associated with pregnancy. One such condition, occurring in about 1 to 3% of pregnancies, is hyperemesis gravidarum, which can cause serious health issues.

​The Importance of Working With a Torrance Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

​If you have suffered financial damages because of pregnancy discrimination, such as wrongful termination or being passed over for a promotion in favor of a less-qualified candidate, you may have grounds to file a legal claim against your employer. To begin the process, you should hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Torrance who has knowledge of local laws and courtroom procedures.

​When you work with the Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., our attorney can sit down with you to learn the details of your case, help you understand your rights and legal options, and assist you in pursuing justice after facing pregnancy discrimination. Workplace discrimination can be addressed by various legal claims, making it crucial that you have skilled legal representation by your side who can advocate for your rights and the compensation you’re owed.

​FAQs About Torrance, CA Pregnancy Discrimination Laws

​What Compensation Can I Receive for a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in California?

​If you have suffered financial losses, such as wrongful termination or a missed raise, because of pregnancy discrimination in California, you can recover damages through a successful claim. Common damages received include lost wages, attorney fees, pain and suffering damages, and more. In cases where an employer’s actions are malicious or particularly clear-cut discrimination, a judge may also impose punitive damages.

Where Are Pregnancy Discrimination Trials Heard for People Who Live in Torrance?

​If pregnancy discrimination cases go to trial in California, they are generally handled by the California Superior Court, which is housed in various facilities around the state in order to serve residents in the surrounding counties. If you live in Torrance and end up needing a courtroom hearing for your case, it will most likely take place at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Avenue.

​How Much Does a Torrance Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Cost?

​Attorneys in California set their own hourly rates and fee structures. Therefore, the cost to hire a lawyer for a specific claim type is difficult to predict. However, most attorneys in Torrance who take on discrimination cases work on a contingency basis. This means that, rather than asking for an up-front fee, these lawyers receive a percentage of whatever settlements they obtain for their clients.

​Can My Employer Make Me Use My Vacation Time for Pregnancy Leave in California?

​Yes, your California employer can require that you use any accrued time off, including vacation days, sick days, and personal days, when you take your pregnancy disability leave. Employers can also decide, at their discretion, whether they want to pay employees while they are on PDL. Employers generally create policies around these questions that they apply across the board.

​Hire a Torrance Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today: Contact Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

​When you face discrimination at work because of your pregnancy, you deserve to take a stance. The team at Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., stands ready to serve Torrance employees who have been harmed by pregnancy discrimination. Contact the firm today to learn more about how we can advocate for your rights.