Yes, you may be able to sue if you were fired for being pregnant. Under both state and federal law, pregnant women are protected from discrimination in the workplace, as well as harassment. An employer cannot harass a female employee because she is pregnant.
An employer also may not refuse to hire, demote, fire, or fail to accommodate a female employee because she is pregnant. Some examples of discrimination include refusing to hire women of a certain age for fear they may become pregnant, firing a woman who is pregnant, or refusing to allow women time off work for doctor’s appointments.
In addition, federal and state laws also require employers to offer women maternity leave. Generally, the maternity leave can be unpaid, although workers may choose to use unpaid sick leave and paid time off during maternity leave. Most employers are required to allow women to have 12 weeks of leave following the birth of a child or the placement of a foster child. During that time, employers also have to continue any employment benefits, such as health insurance, although employees must pay the premiums. After maternity leave is over, the employer must restore the employee to the original job or to an equivalent job.
If you have been discriminated against or harassed in Los Angeles at work because of your pregnancy, you should speak with an attorney. Time limits do apply in which to make a claim. Call me, Conal Doyle, 310-385-0567. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.