Do You Need a Trusted Carlsbad Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?
If you suspect your employer has discriminated against you because of pregnancy, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Many workers worry about retaliation or wonder if speaking up will make things worse. The truth is, you don’t have to face this alone.
A trusted pregnancy discrimination lawyer can:
- Explain your legal rights
- Protect you from retaliation
- Help you gather evidence
- Represent you in negotiations
- Take your case to court, if necessary
Our firm takes a hands-on approach, giving every client the time, attention, and respect you deserve.
Why Choose Our Carlsbad Pregnancy Discrimination Law Firm?
Eugene Bruno & Associates has a long history of protecting workers’ rights. Here are some reasons employees turn to us for help:
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we win
- Fluent in Spanish
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau
- We negotiate assertively and aren’t afraid to litigate when needed
- 85+ years of combined legal experience representing clients in California
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Speak with a Carlsbad pregnancy discrimination lawyer today: 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688). We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a worker unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This type of discrimination is illegal under both California and federal law. Pregnancy discrimination can include:
- Refusing to hire a pregnant worker
- Demoting or terminating an employee because they are expecting
- Denying time off
- Denying reasonable accommodations
- Withholding promotions or benefits due to pregnancy or maternity leave
How to Tell If You Have a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim
But you may have a claim if:
- You were fired, laid off, or demoted shortly after announcing your pregnancy
- You were denied a raise, promotion, or training opportunity because of pregnancy
- Your employer refused to provide reasonable accommodations, like extra breaks or modified duties
- You were pressured to resign or discouraged from returning after maternity leave
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s time to seek legal advice.
Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Unfair Treatment Before or After Maternity Leave
Pregnancy discrimination often shows up in subtle ways before and after maternity leave. Some employers begin to reduce a pregnant employee’s responsibilities, exclude them from important meetings, or pass them over for projects and promotions.
Employers may question an employee’s long-term commitment to the company, assuming they will be less reliable once the baby arrives. This type of treatment is unlawful and can significantly harm an employee’s career growth, professional reputation, and financial stability.
Wrongful Termination Due to Pregnancy or Childbirth
Unfortunately, some companies take more drastic measures by unlawfully terminating employees who are pregnant or who recently gave birth. Firing someone because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is a clear violation of both state and federal protections, and employees who experience this type of discrimination may be entitled to pursue legal action.
Legal Protections for Pregnant Employees in California
Employees in Carlsbad and throughout California benefit from some of the strongest pregnancy-related protections in the country. Both state and federal laws are designed to ensure that pregnant workers are not treated unfairly and have the support they need before, during, and after childbirth.
California’s FEHA and Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Under FEHA, employers cannot fire, demote, deny promotions, or retaliate against employees because of their pregnancy status. Even seemingly neutral policies that negatively impact pregnant workers may be considered unlawful under this law.
In addition, the Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) law provides employees with up to four months of job-protected leave if they are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. This leave may be taken all at once or intermittently, depending on the employee’s medical needs. During PDL, employers must continue health insurance coverage under the same terms as if the employee were still working.
I fight to level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies that routinely deny claims or make ‘low ball’ settlement offers. I am tough, battle tested, and trusted.” – Amir M. Shoar
Federal Protections Under the PDA and FMLA
At the federal level, pregnant employees are protected by two key laws.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it unlawful for employers to treat pregnant workers less favorably than other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work. This means if an employer provides accommodations for temporarily disabled employees, those same accommodations must be extended to pregnant workers.
The Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to recover from childbirth or care for a newborn. During this time, employees maintain their right to return to the same or an equivalent position. FMLA can also be combined with California’s state protections to extend the amount of leave available in certain situations.
What to Do If You Suspect Pregnancy Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Discrimination often happens gradually, and keeping thorough records can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Document Everything
Write down details about discriminatory actions or comments, including dates, times, and the names of those involved. Save emails, text messages, schedules, and performance reviews that may show changes in how you were treated. These records can serve as critical evidence.
Request Accommodations in Writing
If you need adjustments at work, make your requests in writing. This creates a clear paper trail and helps establish that you asserted your legal rights.
In California, pregnant employees are entitled to a range of reasonable workplace accommodations. These protections ensure that employees can continue working safely while managing pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Common accommodations include:
- Modified Work Duties – Temporary changes to job tasks, such as limiting heavy lifting or avoiding exposure to harmful substances.
- More Frequent or Longer Breaks – For rest, bathroom use, hydration, or eating.
- Seating Accommodations – Providing a chair or stool for employees whose jobs normally require standing.
- Schedule Adjustments – Flexible start times, shorter shifts, or the ability to work from home when medically advisable.
- Time Off for Medical Appointments – Protected leave to attend prenatal or postnatal doctor visits.
- Transfer to a Less Hazardous Position – If the current job poses health risks, the employer must transfer the employee to a safer, available role.
File an Internal Complaint
Report the discrimination to your supervisor or the Human Resources department. While this step may feel intimidating, it demonstrates that you attempted to resolve the issue internally and gives your employer the chance to correct unlawful behavior.
Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney
A lawyer can help you evaluate your options, gather evidence, and determine whether to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). With an experienced Carlsbad employment law lawyer, you’ll have guidance every step of the way and a strong advocate to hold your employer accountable.
How a Workplace Discrimination Attorney Can Help You
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we:
- Investigate your claim and gather evidence
- File complaints with the CRD or EEOC
- Handle negotiations with your employer or their insurance company
- Represent you in court if necessary
- Protect you from retaliation while pursuing your claim
Call Now for Immediate Legal Guidance
Don’t wait! Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) today to discuss your pregnancy discrimination claim. The sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Incredibly Helpful with My Case
Eugene Bruno & Associates has been incredibly helpful with my case. Their […] support made the whole process a lot easier. Highly recommend them for anyone in need of a great law firm. – Joshua Lopez (5-Star Google Review)
Professional and, Most Importantly […] Truly Honest
[Eugene Bruno] called me right away and thoroughly explained the process. He was professional and, most importantly, he was truly honest. He patiently answered every question I had and was SUPER nice. I highly recommend this attorney and I’ll definitely be referring my friends to him. – Stephanie McKinney-Overstreet (5-Star Google Review)
Eugene Bruno & Associates […] Got Me What I Deserve
Eugene Bruno & Associates really helped me through a hard time in my life and got me what I deserve. I recommend him to anyone I come across [in need of] a personal injury attorney. – Krispy Moses (5-Star Google Review)
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After Discrimination
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages and benefits due to termination or demotion
- Future earnings if your career path was disrupted
- Emotional distress caused by discrimination or harassment
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Punitive damages when employers act maliciously or with reckless disregard for your rights
Call Eugene Bruno & Associates Today
No one should lose their career or financial stability because they chose to start or grow their family. If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of pregnancy, the law is on your side.
Call Eugene Bruno & Associates today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
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