Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Near Santa Monica, CA
If you are pregnant or recently returned from maternity leave and have been treated unfairly at work, you may be the victim of pregnancy discrimination. Our experienced pregnancy discrimination attorneys proudly serve workers throughout Santa Monica and the surrounding Westside communities, helping them understand their rights and take action against unlawful employer conduct.
California has some of the strongest employee protections in the nation. Whether you work in entertainment, healthcare, technology, retail, or any other sector, your employer is prohibited from discriminating against you because of your pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition. If that line has been crossed, we are here to hold your employer accountable.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This can take many forms, including:
- Being demoted, reassigned, or passed over for promotion after announcing your pregnancy
- Being fired or laid off while pregnant or on pregnancy leave
- Being denied reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions
- Receiving reduced hours or pay after disclosing your pregnancy
- Experiencing harassment or a hostile work environment due to your pregnancy
- Being denied Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) to which you are legally entitled
California Laws Protecting Pregnant Employees in Santa Monica
Pregnant employees in Santa Monica benefit from multiple layers of legal protection. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers with five or more employees from discriminating based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. FEHA also requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations and to allow eligible employees to take Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) of up to four months.
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides additional protections, allowing eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with a new child. These two protections can be stacked, giving many California employees up to approximately seven months of protected leave combined.
At the federal level, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide baseline protections, though California law typically offers more comprehensive coverage.
Serving Clients Throughout Santa Monica and the Westside
Our attorneys understand the unique employment landscape of Santa Monica and the surrounding Westside communities. Whether you work at a major corporation on Wilshire Boulevard, a boutique firm near the Third Street Promenade, a production company near the water, or a local restaurant or hotel, we know the local employers and the challenges employees in this area face.
We regularly represent clients from Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista, and neighboring communities throughout the Los Angeles area.
Common Signs of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination is not always obvious. It can be subtle and difficult to identify. Watch for these warning signs:
- Your employer expresses concern about your ability to perform your job after learning of your pregnancy
- You are excluded from meetings, projects, or opportunities you previously participated in
- Your performance reviews suddenly worsen after your pregnancy announcement
- You are pressured to resign or take unpaid leave you did not request
- Your employer denies accommodation requests that it granted to other employees with similar limitations
- Your position is eliminated or you are replaced while you are on pregnancy leave
What to Do If You Believe You Have Been Discriminated Against
If you suspect pregnancy discrimination, taking the right steps early can significantly strengthen your case:
- Document everything: keep records of discriminatory comments, changes in your treatment, and any denial of leave or accommodations
- Save communications: preserve emails, text messages, and other written communications from your employer
- Report internally: if your company has an HR department, report the discrimination in writing and keep a copy for yourself
- Contact an employment attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and preserve your rights
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing discrimination claims. Do not wait to seek legal advice.
Why Choose Employee Rights Attorney Group?
Our firm focuses exclusively on employment law. Attorney Diana Gevorkian and our team have a proven track record of successfully representing pregnant employees and new parents against their employers. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, our experienced California employment attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. We offer free, confidential consultations with no obligation to hire us.
Employee Rights Attorney Group serves clients throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. There are strict deadlines to file a discrimination claim . Do not wait to get legal advice.
