Why Choose Us Over Other San Diego Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys
- Over 85 years of combined legal experience
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If you believe your rights were violated due to pregnancy, now is the time to speak up. Eugene Bruno & Associates is here to help you understand your legal protections under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), FEHA pregnancy protections, and California’s broader maternity leave laws.
Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation with our pregnancy leave lawyer in San Diego.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in San Diego Workplaces
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms—some obvious, others more subtle or systemic. Unfortunately, these discriminatory practices are still too common in San Diego workplaces.
Being aware of how this type of discrimination manifests can help you recognize if your rights have been violated. Here are several examples:
- Termination or layoff shortly after disclosing pregnancy: Some employees are let go under the guise of downsizing or performance issues soon after informing their employer of a pregnancy.
- Being passed over for promotions, raises, or leadership roles: Employers may wrongfully assume a pregnant employee is less committed or capable and might favor others for advancement.
- Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations: Pregnant employees are legally entitled to accommodations such as modified duties, more frequent breaks, or seating. Denial of these adjustments can constitute discrimination.
- Forced to take unpaid leave without justification: An employer may wrongly claim a pregnant employee is unfit to work and require her to take leave prematurely or without medical necessity.
- Denied pregnancy disability leave (PDL) or CFRA maternity leave: Employers are legally obligated to grant qualifying leave. Denial of these rights violates both state and federal law.
- Discouragement from applying for internal positions or new projects: Some employers attempt to block career advancement by suggesting the timing is wrong due to upcoming maternity leave.
- Retaliation after requesting leave or accommodations: Employees who assert their rights may face disciplinary action, isolation, or even job loss.
- Workplace harassment: This may include inappropriate comments about a pregnant person’s body, family planning, or assumptions about their ability to perform tasks.
- Unequal treatment compared to non-pregnant coworkers: If pregnant employees are subject to more scrutiny or are denied opportunities their peers receive, this can be a form of discrimination.
If you’ve experienced any of these forms of mistreatment, you may have grounds to file a pregnancy discrimination claim under California pregnancy discrimination law, including protections offered by the FEHA and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).
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
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When your rights as a pregnant employee are violated, you may be left with both emotional distress and significant financial hardship. But California and federal laws provide a range of remedies aimed to address both the economic and personal toll pregnancy discrimination can cause.
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, our legal team carefully evaluates your situation to identify every type of loss you may be entitled to recover. Backed by documentation and legal strategy, we work with you to build a strong case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Economic Damages
- Lost Wages and Benefits: This includes the income you would have earned if not for the discrimination, including salary, bonuses, paid time off, and lost health insurance coverage.
- Future Lost Earnings (Front Pay): If returning to your former job is not feasible or appropriate, you may be entitled to future income you would have earned had the discrimination not occurred.
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Pregnancy discrimination often causes humiliation, anxiety, and long-term stress. California law recognizes your right to recover from these types of personal suffering.
- Loss of Professional Reputation: If discrimination has damaged your credibility or career prospects, you may be compensated for the professional harm you’ve endured.
Legal Costs
- Attorney’s Fees and Court Costs: California law allows successful plaintiffs to recover legal costs, helping remove financial barriers to justice.
Equitable Remedies
- Reinstatement: In some cases, courts may order your employer to reinstate you to your previous position or a comparable role.
Punitive Damages
- Punitive Damages: If your employer’s conduct was especially reckless, intentional, or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the employer and deter similar future behavior.
Your Legal Rights as a Pregnant Employee in California
The rights of pregnant workers in California are among the most comprehensive in the country, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to workplace equality and family protection. These rights are protected by a combination of federal and state laws designed to ensure fair treatment throughout your pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.
Federal Protections
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): This federal law, which amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Under the PDA, employers with 15 or more employees must treat pregnant workers the same as other employees with similar abilities or limitations.
California State Protections
- FEHA Pregnancy Protections: The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions. FEHA applies to employers with five or more employees, and it requires them to engage in a good-faith interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations.
- Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): This allows up to 4 months (approximately 17.3 weeks) of unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities. These can include severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and any other medically recognized pregnancy-related conditions.
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Under CFRA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with a newborn, newly adopted, or foster child. CFRA leave is separate from PDL, meaning you may be entitled to take both for a total of more than 7 months of job-protected leave.
Workplace Rights
California’s laws are designed to support the rights of pregnant employees at every stage—from initial pregnancy disclosure through maternity leave and return to work. If your employer fails to uphold these obligations, you may have a legal claim.
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we are here to help you understand and assert your rights as a pregnant employee. We will evaluate your situation and help you pursue the protections and compensation you deserve.
Your workplace rights include:
- Reasonable Accommodations: Employers must provide accommodations such as modified duties, flexible schedules, additional breaks, or a temporary transfer to a less strenuous position.
- Job Protection During Leave: Both PDL and CFRA provide job protection. You are entitled to return to your same or a comparable position after leave.
- Health Insurance Continuation: If your employer offers group health insurance, they must maintain it during your leave under the same terms as if you were still working.
- No Retaliation: It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for requesting accommodations or taking leave under PDL or CFRA.
What to Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against for Being Pregnant
If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly due to pregnancy, you don’t have to face employer retaliation or mistreatment alone. The law is on your side—and so are we. Here are the steps you should take:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of conversations, emails, and actions related to your pregnancy and treatment at work.
- File a complaint with HR: Report the issue to your Human Resources department in writing.
- Consult a pregnant employee rights lawyer in San Diego: An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and assess your legal options.
- File a complaint with a state or federal agency: If your internal complaint doesn’t resolve the issue, you may file with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Discrimination during pregnancy can leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious, and unsure of your future. But Eugene Bruno & Associates stands with pregnant workers who have been mistreated or denied basic workplace rights.
With compassion, clarity, and proven results, our talented trial attorneys are ready to advocate for your best interests. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to let us help you fight back.
How to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in San Diego
Filing a claim involves several important steps. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Speak with a San Diego pregnancy discrimination lawyer: Start by reviewing your case with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.
- File with the CRD or EEOC: You must first file an administrative complaint with either the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment
- Opportunity Commission. These agencies have a work-sharing agreement, so filing with one often covers both.
- Agency investigation and mediation: The agency will investigate your claim and may attempt to resolve it through mediation.
- Right-to-sue notice: If the agency doesn’t resolve your case, you’ll receive a right-to-sue letter.
- File a lawsuit: Once you have a right-to-sue notice, your attorney can file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation.
Time limits apply: In most cases, you must file a CRD complaint within three years of the discrimination. Don’t delay.
Why Clients Trust Our San Diego Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’re not just attorneys—we’re advocates who care. Clients turn to us for our:
- Reputation for results—1000s of successful claims across San Diego
- Personalized care—we listen, advise, and advocate with purpose
- Strong negotiation and litigation skills
- Track record of high-value settlements and verdicts
- Accessible, transparent communication every step of the way
Contact an Experienced San Diego Workplace Discrimination Attorney Today
You deserve a workplace that respects your role as a professional and as a parent. If you’ve faced unfair treatment due to your pregnancy, our experienced legal team is ready to stand up for your rights.
Contact Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you fight for what you’re owed—and what you deserve.
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