Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but when job discrimination enters the picture, it can quickly lead to stress and uncertainty. If you have faced unfair treatment at work because of your pregnancy, our Boston employment discrimination lawyer will stand up for you.
Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard holds corporations responsible for harmful practices that compromise the rights and mental and emotional health of their employees. We are also among the few firms that handle labor and employment cases.
Handling a pregnancy disability discrimination case can be challenging, but our Boston pregnancy disability discrimination claim lawyer can manage it for you. We will seek justice and compensation on your behalf as you move forward. Call today for a free consultation.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer subjects an employee or job applicant to unfavorable treatment because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related health condition. This can occur in various ways, including:
- Refusal to hire: An employer may not hire someone because they are pregnant or could become pregnant.
- Unfair treatment: This includes being passed over for promotions, demoted, or given less favorable job assignments because of pregnancy.
- Forced unpaid leave: This occurs when a pregnant worker is forced to take unpaid leave when they can still perform their jobs with reasonable accommodations.
- Reducing hours or pay: The employer cuts the employee’s hours or pay because they are pregnant.
- Denial of reasonable accommodations: Employers may refuse to provide necessary accommodations, such as modified duties or paid time off for medical appointments.
- Harassment: The employee is subjected to offensive comments or behavior related to their pregnancy that creates a hostile work environment.
- Termination: Some employers may unlawfully terminate an employee upon learning of their pregnancy.
These actions are not just unfair—they are unlawful under both federal and state laws. If you have experienced any of these scenarios or others where your rights were violated, seek help from our Boston labor and employment lawyer today.
Several Laws Protect Employees Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Several federal and state laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), prohibit employers from violating pregnancy rights. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) also offers guidance on PWFA.
These and other laws ensure you:
- Receive reasonable accommodations: Employers must provide accommodations that enable you to continue working during your pregnancy unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the company. These accommodations also cover
- Have job security during maternity leave: The FMLA entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth and to return to their jobs afterward.
- Are treated equally in hiring and promotion: Employers cannot refuse to hire or promote you based on your pregnancy or any related conditions.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, pregnancy discrimination can also involve not just a current pregnancy but also:
- A past pregnancy
- A potential pregnancy
- A pregnancy or childbirth-related medical condition
When you meet with our pregnancy discrimination attorney in Boston, MA, we will explain all laws that apply to your case and how they can affect its outcome.
For a free legal consultation with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
Your Employer Cannot Retaliate Against Pregnancy Bias Reports
If you report pregnancy discrimination, your employer cannot punish you for it. Retaliation means any negative action taken against you because you spoke up. This could include things like being demoted, getting fewer hours, or being fired.
If your employer retaliates against you, it is unlawful. You have the right to keep your job, receive fair treatment, and work without fear of being punished for defending yourself. If you’re facing retaliation, reach out to the team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard.
Our Boston workplace retaliation lawyer will guide you through the legal steps, file a complaint on your behalf, and fight to protect your rights. We will hold your employer accountable and seek any compensation you’re entitled to receive. Call us for a free consultation.
Boston Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
How Our Boston Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Can Help
We know it takes a lot of courage to speak up about being discriminated against due to your pregnancy. We will explain your rights, review the incident, and decide the next steps to take, which could mean:
- Filing a complaint: We can help you file a discrimination complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Negotiating with your employer: Sometimes, disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Our lawyer can represent you in these discussions.
- Pursuing legal action: If necessary, we can represent you in court to seek compensation for lost income, emotional distress, and other damages.
If our firm takes legal action on your behalf, we will collect evidence, including documents, witness statements, and other evidence to strengthen your claim.
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Damages You Can Pursue in a Pregnancy Discrimination Case
In cases of pregnancy discrimination, plaintiffs can request various damages for the harm they suffered. The damages you can seek aim to make up for the financial losses and emotional distress you suffered.
Common recoverable damages in a pregnancy discrimination case include:
- Lost income: If you lost your job, received fewer hours of work, or were denied a promotion because of pregnancy discrimination, you can seek compensation for the income you missed out on.
- Back pay and front pay: Back pay covers the income you should have earned from the time of the discrimination to the present. Front pay compensates for lost income going forward if it’s clear you won’t be reinstated to your previous position.
- Emotional distress: Being discriminated against can be stressful and upsetting. You can seek compensation for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the discrimination, such as anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Each case is unique, so the damages you can recover will depend on your specific situation. Our pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Boston, MA, can help you understand the losses you can recover and build your compensation case.
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Common Questions About Pregnancy Discrimination
Understanding your rights during pregnancy is important, especially if you face unfair treatment at work. Below are common questions and answers that can help guide you if you believe you’re experiencing pregnancy-related discrimination while on the job.
What Should I Do if I Experience Pregnancy Discrimination at Work?
Start by documenting each incident, including dates and details. Report the issue to your Human Resources department. If the problem isn’t resolved, consult with our Boston pregnancy discrimination attorneys to understand your options and protect your rights.
What Are Reasonable Accommodations During Pregnancy?
Reasonable accommodations might include lighter duties, more breaks, flexible work hours, or time off for medical appointments. Employers are required to provide these adjustments unless it creates an undue burden on their business.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim in Boston?
You generally have 300 days from the date of the discrimination to file a claim with MCAD. We encourage you to call our law office as soon as possible to avoid missing any key deadlines.
Call Us Today for Help From Our Boston Discrimination Lawyer
If you have experienced pregnancy or pregnancy-related discrimination, you have an ally in Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. We’ll stand up for your rights and fight against the unfair treatment you’ve experienced.
Your pregnancy should never be a barrier to your success at work, and the law is on your side to ensure that. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn how our Boston pregnancy discrimination lawyer can lead your case.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form