Long Beach Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

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

Pregnancy should be an exciting time in your life, as you look forward to expanding your family. The last thing you should have to worry about is discrimination in the workplace because of your pregnancy. If you live in the Long Beach area and have been a victim of discriminatory practices at work because you’re pregnant, you may have grounds for a legal claim. A Long Beach pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

​About Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

​Founded in 2011, the Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., now holds over 15 years of experience advocating for California employees who have been treated unfairly by their employers. We understand what is at stake for each of our clients. It’s about respect, security, and their family’s financial stability. As a dedicated Long Beach Employment Lawyer, we approach each case with the care and attention it deserves, working tirelessly toward justice for the people we serve.

​What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

​In short, pregnancy discrimination in California occurs when an employer fires, demotes, or takes adverse action against an employee because they are pregnant. Pregnancy discrimination is a major problem in the U.S. According to a 2022 poll conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, 20% of mothers reported that they have personally dealt with pregnancy discrimination in their workplaces, and 12% of workers reported that they have personally seen it.

​What Rights Do Pregnant Employees Have in Long Beach?

​California law implements specific protections for pregnant employees across the state. According to the Department of Fair Labor and Housing, the following are some of the rights of pregnant employees in the state:

• The Right to Reasonable Accommodations. Your employer should provide you with reasonable accommodations that make it easier for you to do your job over the course of your pregnancy. Some examples include allowing more frequent breaks, providing you with a chair if you are able to do your job sitting instead of standing, and more.
• The Right to Duty Modifications. If your pregnancy makes it dangerous or unduly difficult for you to do your job, your employer must transfer you to a different position if one is available. If there is no alternative position available, your employer is obligated to modify your work duties to make the job less strenuous or hazardous for you.
• The Right to Pregnancy Leave. California employers must provide pregnant workers with up to four months of pregnancy disability leave, or PDL, for childbirth and related needs.
• The Right to a Confidential Area for Personal Care. Employers must provide a private lactation room or area for breastfeeding workers.

Understanding Pregnancy Disability Leave in California

​In California, pregnancy disability leave is meant to provide pregnant employees with the flexibility they need to attend to pregnancy-related medical appointments, take time off as recommended by their physician, deliver their baby, and recover from the delivery. A pregnant employee’s physician determines how much time the employee needs for PDL, and employers can request a written order from the employee’s doctor.​

Pregnancy disability leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on your employer’s policies. The leave can be taken intermittently to accommodate longer or more frequent breaks, time off for medical appointments, bed rest if it is ordered by a doctor, and pregnancy-related health conditions like pre-eclampsia or hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects an estimated 1 to 3% of pregnancies.​

What to Do If You Experience Pregnancy Discrimination in Long Beach

​If you experience pregnancy discrimination in Long Beach, you do not have to accept your employer’s mistreatment. The following are some steps you can take to protect yourself:​

• Document all instances of discrimination.
• File a complaint with HR, if available.
• Make sure that any communications related to the discriminatory behavior are in writing. If you have an in-person meeting, send an email recap to everyone involved so the content of the discussion is recorded.
• Hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer who can help you take legal action.

Why You Should Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Long Beach​, CA

If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination and your employer’s discriminatory practices resulted in you losing your job or experiencing other financial losses, you can file a legal claim against your employer in Long Beach. In California, there are several kinds of claims you can file to address pregnancy discrimination at work, including a pregnancy discrimination claim, a claim for failure to provide reasonable accommodation, and a wrongful termination claim.

​FAQs About Long Beach, CA Pregnancy Discrimination Laws

​What Damages Can I Collect for a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in California?​

If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination in your California workplace and it resulted in financial losses like reduced pay or wrongful termination, you can claim damages for lost wages, legal fees, and emotional distress. In some cases, if an employer’s actions were particularly egregious, a judge may decide to award punitive damages to a claimant, as well.

​Where Are Pregnancy Discrimination Cases Handled for Long Beach Residents?

​For Long Beach residents, workplace discrimination cases such as pregnancy discrimination claims are generally handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. If you file a pregnancy discrimination case in Long Beach, any related hearing would likely be held at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, which is located at 275 Magnolia Avenue.

​How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Long Beach?

​The cost to hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer can vary widely from case to case. Lawyers set their own rates and fee structures, so individual attorneys can have vastly different rates. The total cost may also depend on how complex your case is. However, many attorneys take discrimination cases on a contingency basis, meaning clients do not pay up front. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of any settlement they secure.

​Can an Employer Require a Pregnant Employee to Use Their Accrued Vacation Time for Pregnancy Disability Leave?

​Yes. Under California law, employers can require that pregnant employees use their accrued paid vacation time during their physician-ordered pregnancy disability leave. If you have sick time, your employer can also require that you use that. Regardless of whether your leave is paid or unpaid, your employer is required to maintain your health insurance coverage while you are gone.

​Contact A Long Beach Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today

​If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination in your Long Beach workplace, you have legal options that allow you to stand up for your rights. With competent legal representation from the team at the Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., you can pursue compensation for your losses and insist on justice. Contact Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., today to discuss your case.