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Pregnancy Discrimination

Charlotte Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

Expecting a baby is a special time for a family. Unfortunately, a pregnancy can result in unfair or inequitable treatment in the workplace. Under federal and state law, discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions constitutes unlawful discrimination. In addition, pregnant employees must be permitted to work as long as they are able to perform their jobs. Employers may also be required to hold a pregnant employee’s job open for a certain period of time if she goes out on pregnancy related leave.

Pregnancy discrimination is never acceptable. At Strianese Huckert LLP, our Charlotte pregnancy discrimination lawyers provide client-centered, results-focused legal representation to employees. If you or your loved one was a victim of discrimination in the workplace, we are here to help. To set up a strictly confidential initial consultation with an experienced North Carolina pregnancy discrimination attorney, please fill out case evaluation form today. 

Know Your Rights Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Pregnancy discrimination has become such an issue in the workplace that congress enacted the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 was passed in response to a substantial body of evidence showing that pregnant women were being discriminated against or treated unfairly in the workplace. 

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act forbids discrimination based on pregnancy when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, and other benefits, such as leave and health insurance. If you were treated worse than coworkers based on pregnancy status, your workplace rights were violated. Contact a North Carolina pregnancy discrimination lawyer right away. 

Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Employees 

Beyond merely refraining from mistreating pregnant workers, employers have a proactive duty to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees. If a woman is temporarily unable to perform her job due to a medical condition relating to pregnancy or childbirth, the employer must treat her in the same way as any other temporarily disabled employee. For example, the employer may have to provide light duty, alternative assignments, disability leave, or unpaid leave to pregnant employees if it does so for other temporarily disabled workers. Pregnant employees may also have rights under other federal laws. Specifically, you may be protected under: 

American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Medical impairments resulting from pregnancy may constitute a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In such a case, an employer may have to provide a reasonable accommodation to the pregnant employee.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Under the Family Medical Leave Act, a new parent (including foster and adoptive parents) may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave (unpaid or paid if the employee has earned or accrued it) that may be used for the care of a new child. To be eligible, the employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months prior to taking the leave, and the employer must have a minimum threshold number of employees.

As these various laws illustrate, there are a number of rights available to pregnant employees. But they can be complex and cumbersome to assert, especially while you are pregnant or caring for a new child. If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, or if you would like to find out more about your pregnancy related rights, we encourage you to contact us.

Three Steps to Take If You Were a Victim of Pregnancy Discrimination

Unfortunately, despite the laws that protect pregnant employees, discrimination remains a serious problem. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that approximately 6,100 charges of job-related pregnancy discrimination are filed every year. Though, the true prevalence is undoubtedly higher—as many victims never file a formal legal claim. Here are three steps you should take if you believe that you were the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace: 

  1. Carefully document the suspected pregnancy discrimination—writing down exactly what happened and the names of any witnesses; 
  2. Report the matter to your supervisor or your company’s Human Resources (HR) department; and
  3. Speak to an experienced Charlotte pregnancy discrimination attorney. 

How Our North Carolina Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers Can Help

Pregnancy discrimination cases are complicated. You need a reliable advocate in your corner. With over four decades of combined employment law experience, we are focused on protecting the rights and interests of employees. You deserve a workplace free from discrimination. When you fill out a case evaluation form, you will have a chance to consult with a pregnancy discrimination attorney who will: 

  • Listen to your story, answer questions, and explain your legal options;
  • Investigate your employment law claim—documenting pregnancy discrimination; and
  • Create a customized strategy focused on getting you justice and compensation. 

Every pregnancy discrimination case involves its own unique set of facts and circumstances. You deserve personalized support from an attorney who will put time and resources into your case. At Strianese Huckert LLP, our Charlotte pregnancy discrimination attorneys are highly selective in the cases we take on—we thoroughly prepare each claim at every stage of the process. 

Call Our Charlotte Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Today 

At Strianese Huckert LLP, our Charlotte pregnancy discrimination lawyers represent employees with attention, passion, and the highest degree of professionalism. If you or your loved one was a victim of pregnancy discrimination, we are more than ready to help. Submit a case evaluation form now for a fully confidential review of your case. With an office in Charlotte, we serve communities throughout the region, including in Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County, Union County, Iredell County, and Gaston County.