Our South Florida Attorney Defends Women Subjected to Pregnancy Discrimination
Laws today support women’s equality in the workplace
In the past, women had to choose between career and family. Employers treated pregnant women and women of childbearing age differently than their male counterparts, often refusing to hire them, paying them less, assigning them to inferior positions or firing them. Fortunately, current laws make pregnancy discrimination illegal. Yet, violations of these provisions occur regularly. Our lawyer at Pfeffer & Associates applies almost 30 years of experience to defending the rights of women in the workplace.
How Florida laws today affect women’s equality in the workplace
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (PDA) amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to forbid an employer from discriminating against a woman because of her pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related medical condition. Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes contains the Florida Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of sex and other protected classes — just as the federal Civil Rights Act does. However, the federal law expressly forbids pregnancy discrimination, whereas the Florida law does not.
The ambiguity of the Florida provisions can affect the results of a pregnancy discrimination case in the state courts. If applicable to your case, our discrimination law firm in Jupiter determines whether state or federal proceedings are more appropriate. If your employer violated your rights, our pregnancy discrimination lawyer may seek injunctive relief — such as reinstatement to your former job — and monetary damages for back pay and other losses.
What are your rights as a pregnant woman in the workplace?
Your employer is forbidden from discriminating against you because of pregnancy-related issues in any aspect of employment, such as:
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Reasonable accommodations for your pregnancy-related condition
If your pregnancy or a related condition prevents you from performing your job duties, your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations, in the same manner as it would for employees who have temporary disabilities. Reasonable accommodations might include alternative job assignments, light duty and medical leave.
In fact, a medical condition arising from your pregnancy may also be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, if you develop gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, Rh incompatibility, high blood pressure or anemia during your pregnancy, your employer should follow ADA guidelines in making reasonable accommodations.
Protect your right to work as you start your family in Florida
Learn more about your employer’s obligations regarding your pregnancy, childbirth and other related conditions. Call Pfeffer & Associates at 561-745-8011 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We can take your case on a contingency fee basis so you do not owe us attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.