Pasadena Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

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

Pregnancy should be a happy time in your life, filled with excitement and hope for the future. The last thing you should be worried about while you are pregnant is discrimination at work. However, for many pregnant employees, that is the reality. If you live and work in the Pasadena area and you are experiencing pregnancy discrimination, you have legal options. An experienced Pasadena pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you protect your rights.

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we have been advocating for the rights of California employees for over 15 years. Our founding attorney, Emanuel Shirazi, understands just how harmful workplace violations can be and is dedicated to holding negligent California employers accountable. We understand that a pregnancy discrimination case is about more than just your job. We believe that all employees deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and the opportunity to grow.

Defining Pregnancy Discrimination in California

A 2022 poll from the Bipartisan Policy Center showed that, of mothers who work, 20% have personally dealt with pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Of all workers polled, 12% reported having seen pregnancy discrimination themselves, even if they had not personally experienced it. These numbers show that pregnancy discrimination is a major problem in the American workforce.

Simply defined, pregnancy discrimination is treating an employee differently, in a negative way, based on the fact that they are pregnant. Firing, demoting, refusing to hire, or otherwise taking adverse action against a pregnant employee or candidate can all qualify as pregnancy discrimination in California, as a Pasadena Employment Lawyer can explain.

The Rights of Pregnant Employees in California

In Pasadena and throughout California, workers have various explicit protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. According to California’s Department of Fair Labor and Housing, pregnant employees have the following rights: 

• If pregnant employees need reasonable accommodations to do their jobs effectively, California employers are required to provide those accommodations. For example, if a cashier who usually stands all day is pregnant and asks for a chair, the employer should provide one because the employee can still do their job.
• If an employee is pregnant and their regular job duties pose a health hazard to the employee or the unborn baby, the employer is required to grant the employee’s request to be moved to a different position or to modify job duties to make the work less hazardous.
• California employers must allow their pregnant employees to take up to four months of pregnancy disability leave (PDL).
• There must be a private area or room for employees who are breastfeeding to be able to care for themselves.

Rules Regarding Pregnancy Disability Leave in Pasadena

Pregnancy disability leave, often called PDL for short, is time off that pregnant employees in California can take to address their medical needs. These include attending prenatal appointments, dealing with pregnancy-related health needs, delivering a baby, and recovering from childbirth. A pregnant employee’s doctor in Pasadena can decide how much PDL the employee needs, and may provide the employer with a written recommendation.

Pregnancy disability leave may or may not be paid in California, as employers are legally free to determine whether they pay employees on leave. Employees may use the leave to go to appointments, rest as prescribed, or deal with medical conditions brought about by pregnancy.

Steps to Take If You Experience Pregnancy Discrimination in Pasadena, CA

If you live and work in the Pasadena area and believe you are experiencing pregnancy discrimination, you do not have to accept the treatment. You can take legal action to recover any losses and put a stop to unfair practices. The following are steps you should take to secure justice after experiencing pregnancy discrimination in Pasadena: 

• Keep notes and documentation regarding instances of discriminatory behavior.
• File a report with your employer’s human resources department.
• Make sure you have a paper trail for any verbal conversations you have about the discriminatory behavior.
• Hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Pasadena who can help you file a legal claim and pursue compensation.

Why You Should Work With a Pasadena Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

If you have been experiencing pregnancy discrimination in your Pasadena workplace, you may have suffered financial losses because of it. Pregnant workers are sometimes wrongfully fired or passed over for raises in favor of less-qualified candidates. When behaviors like this occur, pregnant Pasadena employees may have grounds for legal claims.

When you hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer from Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we can help you pursue justice by filing a strong legal claim that holds your employer accountable.

FAQs About Pasadena, CA Pregnancy Discrimination Laws

What Damages Can a California Employee Recover in a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?

Employees in California who have suffered financial losses because of pregnancy discrimination have the right to recover damages, including lost wages, legal fees, and compensation for psychological distress. In some cases, an employee may also be awarded punitive damages, which only occur in instances of particularly egregious or malicious behavior from an employer.

Where Are Pregnancy Discrimination Trials Held for Pasadena Residents?

Workplace discrimination cases that go to trial in California are usually handled by the California Superior Court. This court convenes in a number of courthouses around the state. For people filing pregnancy discrimination claims in Pasadena, hearings are usually held at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in Los Angeles.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Pasadena Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?

Lawyers in Pasadena generally decide their own hourly rates and fee structures, so the cost of hiring an attorney can vary drastically depending on the details of your case and your lawyer’s experience. However, many attorneys who take on employment claims, such as pregnancy discrimination cases, use a contingency fee structure. This structure does not require an up-front payment and instead requires the employee to pay part of their settlement to their lawyer.

Can My Employer Require Me to Use My Accrued Vacation Time for PDL in Pasadena?

Yes. Your Pasadena employer is legally allowed to require you to use any accrued time off while you are on pregnancy disability leave. This can include vacation days, sick days, and personal days. The state of California leaves it up to employers to decide whether they will pay employees on PDL or not, and most employers have company-wide policies regarding PDL.

Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Pasadena Today

If you are experiencing, or have experienced, pregnancy discrimination in your Pasadena workplace, it’s crucial that you seek justice. Contact the Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., today to learn more about pursuing legal action and holding harmful Pasadena employers accountable.

Start Your Journey Toward Justice Today

Being pregnant is a huge undertaking, and having to face discrimination because of your pregnancy can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. Fortunately, you do not need to shoulder this burden alone.

The Shirazi Law Firm, PC, has talented lawyers who are prepared to help you build a case. Not only will they bring clarity to your situation, but they will also approach your case with skill and compassion, advocating on your behalf to free you up to focus on what matters most: your health and your family. We want to help you build a better tomorrow starting today. Contact us right now to schedule a consultation.