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Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles
Pregnant employees in California are protected by some of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. When employers discriminate against, harass, or terminate employees because of pregnancy, our attorneys fight back with the full force of California law.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your pregnancy discrimination case with a trusted Los Angeles attorney.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), it is illegal to discriminate against employees on the basis of pregnancy in any aspect of employment — including hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, and benefits.
California provides additional protections through Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), which entitles employees to up to four months of protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities. Employers with five or more employees must provide PDL, and it is separate from CFRA bonding leave — meaning new mothers in California may be entitled to significant total protected leave.
Common forms of pregnancy discrimination include terminating or not hiring someone because of pregnancy, denying promotion or advancement opportunities, failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, harassing a pregnant employee, forcing a pregnant employee to take leave, and retaliating against employees who exercise pregnancy-related rights.
At Novian & Novian, our pregnancy discrimination attorneys have extensive experience representing employees who have been mistreated because of pregnancy. We understand the full scope of California’s pregnancy protections and fight aggressively to hold employers accountable.
How Can a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Help?
A pregnancy discrimination lawyer helps employees who have been treated unfavorably because of pregnancy pursue claims under FEHA, the PDA, and California’s pregnancy disability leave laws. These cases often involve proving that pregnancy was a motivating factor in the employer’s adverse actions.
Our pregnancy discrimination attorneys at Novian & Novian gather evidence demonstrating the connection between your pregnancy and your employer’s adverse actions — including timing of events, disparate treatment compared to non-pregnant employees, employer communications, and witness testimony. We file complaints with the Civil Rights Department and litigate aggressively.
If you have been discriminated against because of pregnancy, contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation. Our Los Angeles attorneys will protect your rights and fight for full compensation.
What Our Clients Say
“I was fired shortly after telling my boss I was pregnant. Novian & Novian proved the timing was no coincidence and secured a settlement that included substantial damages for emotional distress.”
— Former Client, Los Angeles
“My employer refused to accommodate my pregnancy-related restrictions even though my doctor provided documentation. Novian & Novian fought for my rights and held the company accountable.”
— Former Client, Burbank
“After returning from maternity leave, I was demoted and given a reduced schedule. Novian & Novian recognized it as pregnancy discrimination and got me the compensation I deserved.”
— Former Client, Santa Monica
Why Should You Choose Novian & Novian for Your Pregnancy Discrimination Case?
Novian & Novian has represented pregnant employees and new mothers facing discrimination across California for over 35 years. We understand the unique challenges pregnant workers face and the full scope of legal protections available.
Our attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of pregnant employees. No one should have to choose between having a family and having a career, and we fight to ensure employers cannot force that choice.
Deep Knowledge of Pregnancy Protections
We are experts in FEHA’s pregnancy discrimination provisions, Pregnancy Disability Leave, CFRA bonding leave, the PDA, and all applicable regulations. We know how to maximize protections for pregnant employees.
Experience With All Forms of Pregnancy Discrimination
We have handled cases involving wrongful termination, denial of accommodations, forced leave, harassment, and retaliation related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Aggressive Advocacy for Working Parents
We fight to change employer behavior and culture. Our cases send a clear message that pregnancy discrimination will not be tolerated.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle pregnancy discrimination cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Compassionate, Understanding Representation
We understand the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy combined with workplace discrimination. We provide supportive, responsive representation.
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
Is It Illegal to Fire Someone for Being Pregnant in California?
Yes. Under FEHA and the PDA, it is illegal to terminate, demote, or take any adverse employment action against an employee because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. If pregnancy was a motivating factor in your termination, you have a claim.
What Is Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)?
PDL provides up to four months of protected leave for employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It applies to employers with 5+ employees, has no minimum tenure requirement, and is separate from CFRA bonding leave.
Can My Employer Require Me to Take Leave Because I Am Pregnant?
No. Employers cannot force pregnant employees to take leave if they can still perform their job duties. Forcing leave due to pregnancy is a form of pregnancy discrimination.
What Accommodations Must My Employer Provide During Pregnancy?
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, including modified duties, ergonomic equipment, additional breaks, transfer to a less strenuous position, and time off for prenatal appointments. The obligation is similar to disability accommodation requirements.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
Under FEHA, you must file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department within three years of the discriminatory act. Federal PDA claims have different deadlines. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
You may recover back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and reinstatement. California provides robust remedies for pregnancy discrimination.
Discriminated Against Because of Pregnancy? We Fight for You.
Our Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorneys protect the rights of pregnant employees under California law. Contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation today.
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