Riverside Pregnancy Retaliation Lawyer
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Riverside Pregnancy Retaliation Attorney
Have you been wronged by your employer? Please call Theory Law at (310) 500-0206 to speak with a Riverside wrongful termination attorney.
Legal Representation When It Matters
Facing retaliation at work during or after pregnancy can be a devastating and deeply unjust experience. At Theory Law APC, we fight for workers who experience pregnancy-related retaliation and can help you take action to protect your rights and your career. Our clients know that we deliver exceptional legal services based on our core principles of justice and fairness.
Every situation is different, and proving retaliation requires strong evidence and a clear strategy. Our team can assist with documenting unfair treatment, addressing concerns with your employer, and pursuing legal action if needed. Whether you need to recover lost wages, secure your position, or hold your employer accountable, we are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in California
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and excitement. For many challenges, it can come with unfortunate and unexpected challenges. In 2022, Riverside County reported 30,165 live births. Discrimination against pregnant workers remains a serious issue, and common adverse actions taken by employers include denied promotions, reduced hours, or even termination. Pregnancy discrimination violates state and federal laws that protect pregnant women from mistreatment.
Pregnancy discrimination can also occur when someone refuses to hire an employee because she is pregnant. During pregnancy, employers must make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. These could include:
- Adjusting work schedules to allow for prenatal medical appointments
- Providing additional breaks for rest, hydration, or bathroom use
- Modifying job duties to reduce physical strain, such as lifting restrictions
- Allowing temporary remote work or flexible scheduling when medically necessary
- Offering seating accommodations for employees required to stand for long periods
Whether you experience subtle bias or outright hostility, understanding your rights is an essential first step. Legal guidance can clarify your rights and options.
State and Federal Laws Protecting Pregnant Women
State and federal laws provide strong protections for pregnant employees. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It requires employers with five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations and prevent retaliation.
The Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) law allows up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA) grant eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for bonding with a newborn. These laws ensure pregnant employees can continue working without fear of discrimination.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Holding an employer accountable for their misconduct is not always easy. Often, workers who take steps to protect their rights face retaliation. In 2022, California workers filed an average of 706 workplace retaliation claims per month with the state’s Labor Commissioner’s Office. According to the EEOC, workplace retaliation is the most common reason employees file complaints.
Legal representation can shield you from retaliation as your complaint moves forward. Once you secure legal representation, your attorney can put your boss on notice that you will not tolerate further misconduct at work. Your lawyer can then gather evidence to support your claim and file the appropriate forms with the correct agency.
A successful pregnancy claim must demonstrate key elements. Your lawyer can prove that you were pregnant at the time of the discrimination and that your employer took adverse action against you. Your attorney can further demonstrate that you suffered some form of serious harm as a result of your employer’s actions.
FAQs
Q: What Is Pregnancy Retaliation in the Workplace?
A: Pregnancy retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for being pregnant, taking maternity leave, or requesting accommodations. This can include termination, demotion, reduced hours, or negative performance reviews. California law protects employees from such treatment. If adverse actions follow pregnancy-related requests, legal action may be necessary to recover lost wages and secure workplace rights.Q: Can My Employer Fire Me for Taking Maternity Leave?
A: Employers cannot fire employees for taking protected maternity leave under CFRA or FMLA. However, they may claim other reasons for termination. If an employee’s position is eliminated, reassigned unfairly, or replaced without justification, it may be unlawful retaliation. Documenting employer actions and consulting an attorney can help protect job rights and seek compensation for damages.Q: What Are My Rights If I Face Retaliation After Maternity Leave?
A: California and federal law protect employees from retaliation after maternity leave. Employers cannot fire, demote, or penalize workers for using protected leave. If retaliation occurs, employees can file complaints with HR, the Civil Rights Department, or the EEOC. Legal action may recover lost wages, benefits, and job reinstatement while holding the employer accountable for unlawful actions.Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Retaliation Claim in California?
A: Employees generally have three years to file a claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Federal claims under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act may have shorter deadlines. Missing these deadlines can weaken legal options. Consulting an attorney early ensures proper filing, preserves evidence, and strengthens a case against employer retaliation for pregnancy-related leave or accommodations.Schedule Your Pregnancy Retaliation Lawyer Consultation Today
No one should face retaliation for taking pregnancy leave or requesting reasonable accommodations at work. If your employer has taken adverse action against you due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, you may have grounds for legal action under California law. One important first step is to secure legal representation from a firm that handles these types of discrimination cases.
At Theory Law APC, we advocate for employees who have been wrongfully retaliated against. We understand what you are going through because we have represented pregnant victims of discrimination. We can assess your case, explain your rights, and pursue a legal strategy tailored to your situation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your next steps.
How Can Theory Law Help You?
If you need help regarding a legal matter and would like to discuss it with an attorney, please call (310) 500-0206 or complete and submit the e-mail form below, and the attorney will contact you.
Practice Areas
Riverside
Holding Employers Accountable
From the start of your case, Theory Law holds employers accountable by providing aggressive representation. Should it be necessary to go to court for your case, we will professionally and aggressively advocate your rights.
No FEE Gurantee
Theory Law will not charge you any attorney fees if you do not get paid a recovery for your case. Unlike some other firms, you are not charged for any case opening fees or attorney retainer fees.
Theory Law Difference
Our growth and success are in large part from putting people first. We care about you, and we are not afraid to go to trial to get you the maximum settlement. Others may leave more money on the table.