Merced Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Merced Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

Pregnancy should be a joyful time. It is an unfortunate reality that some employers use the pregnancy status of workers or prospective hires to discriminate against soon-to-be mothers. If you faced discrimination due to your pregnancy, you have the right to hire a Merced pregnancy discrimination lawyer to hold your employer accountable. With legal representation, you can pursue damages for the financial and reputational harm you suffered.

Asbill Law Group: Your Merced Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys

No one should be subjected to discrimination due to their pregnancy status. When employers engage in this type of workplace misconduct, it causes emotional and financial harm to workers. At Asbill Law Group, our legal team can take quick and decisive action to hold your employers accountable for the harm they caused.

Setting our firm apart is our dedication to serving the interests of our clients while delivering successful outcomes. We represent both employers and workers, so we understand the tactics business owners use to avoid liability during a discrimination case. We won’t let the at-fault parties get away with their misconduct

Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in Merced

Pregnancy discrimination remains a pressing issue in Merced and throughout California. According to the EEOC’s Annual Performance Report for FY 2022, the agency received 73,485 new discrimination charges across all categories and recovered over $513 million in monetary benefits for victims.

In a major California case, Microsoft agreed to a $14 million settlement in July 2024 after being accused of penalizing employees, especially those taking pregnancy-related leave, by withholding raises and promotions. Locally, about 5.1% of women in Merced County gave birth in the past year, slightly above the state average of 4.8%.

Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when employers treat workers unfairly due to their pregnancy. Pregnancy discrimination can also occur after childbirth. Whether the mother eventually gives birth at Golden Valley Health Centers or elsewhere, discrimination could involve acts like denying pregnant workers lighter duties or forcing them to take unpaid leave.

If you notice that your hours are cut or you were denied a promotion after your employer found out you are pregnant, you could have a lawful basis for filing a pregnancy discrimination claim. These types of actions leave workers feeling undervalued and unwanted. Even seemingly minor acts of discrimination may warrant action.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Whether you are preparing to give birth at Castle Family Health Centers or have already given birth at Mercy Medical Center, you should not be treated unfairly due to your pregnancy status. Workers who were subjected to discrimination have often suffered financial consequences and career setbacks. One form of compensation you can pursue includes lost wages and even front pay if you decide to leave your place of work.

If your benefits were cut or you were denied accommodations required by law, those losses may also be recoverable. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering. If the case goes to trial, a jury may award punitive damages to punish the employer for the misconduct.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Securing Fair Compensation

Legal representation can play a critical role in holding employers accountable for their misconduct. A pregnancy discrimination lawyer can provide more than legal representation. Employment law attorneys can explain how the administrative complaint process works and what to expect.

During a difficult time, having a supportive advocate who cares about the outcome of your claim and your future can help you see the process through with confidence. As your case moves forward, your lawyer can handle communications with the government agency overseeing your claim. If your case goes to court, having strong legal representation can ensure that the judge or jury hears the facts of the case and understands the severity of the harm you suffered.

FAQs

Is It Hard to Win a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?

Winning a pregnancy discrimination case depends on the strength of the evidence. If there are emails, performance reviews, or witness statements showing bias after a pregnancy disclosure, the chances of success increase. Employers often deny wrongdoing, so documented proof is critical. Each case is fact-specific, and results improve when timelines, comments, and employment changes are clearly linked to the pregnancy.

How Can You Prove Discrimination During Pregnancy?

You can prove discrimination during pregnancy by documenting negative treatment after telling your employer you’re expecting. This may include reduced hours, exclusion from meetings, poor performance reviews, or sudden termination. Keep records of emails, comments, and changes to your job duties. Consistent documentation helps show a pattern of unequal treatment directly tied to your pregnancy, which strengthens your claim.

How Much Can You Recover from Pregnancy Discrimination?

The amount recoverable for pregnancy discrimination depends on lost income, emotional distress, and other financial harm. If the discrimination caused you to miss work, lose benefits, or experience long-term career setbacks, those damages may be part of your claim. Strong documentation increases potential compensation. Outcomes vary, but workers with clear evidence of unfair treatment often receive meaningful financial recovery.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a pregnancy discrimination claim is typically three years under state law. However, administrative deadlines may be shorter if filing with the Civil Rights Department. Timing is critical, so it’s important to act quickly. Missing the deadline can prevent any recovery. Keep records and consult legal help early to protect your rights.

Don’t Let Your Employer Violate Your Rights. Contact Asbill Law Group Today

Facing pregnancy discrimination at work can leave you feeling isolated, stressed, and unsure of your legal options. A Merced pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you assert your rights, whether you’ve been denied accommodations, forced out of your job, or treated unfairly because of your pregnancy. You deserve fair treatment and protection under California and federal law.

At Asbill Law Group, we stand up for employees who have been targeted due to pregnancy. We take the time to understand your situation and build a strategy focused on holding employers accountable. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.