Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in PA

Recognizing the Signs of Illegal Pregnancy Discrimination

Discrimination is often inconspicuous. It can happen subtly through shifting policies, unclear performance issues or forced leave. You may be eligible for a claim if your employer has engaged in any of these illegal behaviors:

Refusing accommodations

Denying simple requests like extra bathroom breaks or permission to sit down, which are required by the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

Denying leave

Violating the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by refusing parental leave or punishing you for taking it.

Forcing termination or demotion

Firing you, reducing your hours or refusing to hold your position open while you recover from childbirth.

Creating a hostile environment

Permitting inappropriate comments, unwanted physical touching like belly rubbing or invasive questions about your family planning.

Requiring early leave

Requiring you to stop working and take unpaid leave while you’re still physically willing and capable of performing your job duties.

Withholding equal benefits

Denying you the same health, short-term disability or fringe benefits offered to other temporarily disabled employees.

Recognizing the Signs of Illegal Pregnancy Discrimination

Securing Compensation for Your Losses

Being pushed out during pregnancy causes immediate loss of income and vital health insurance at the exact moment families need it most. A successful claim can force your employer to pay for the damage they caused to your career and family.

You may recover compensatory damages, including back pay for lost wages, restoration of stolen benefits and financial relief for the intense emotional distress caused by the mistreatment. If the discrimination was malicious or recklessly indifferent, courts can impose punitive damages to punish the employer financially and ensure it doesn’t happen to another parent. Filing an employment discrimination lawsuit allows you to hold employers accountable and secure the stability your family deserves.

Why Pennsylvania Families Trust Our Legal Team

At Weisberg Cummings, we treat every client with the utmost dignity and respect. We prioritize your peace of mind by returning calls promptly and taking the time to listen to your entire story. Even if your employer or another attorney dismissed your concerns, we step in to uncover the truth and prove the merit of your claim.

Drawing on over 50 years of combined experience, our team has the skills to navigate complex employment laws. Our goal is to restore your financial stability and provide you with closure, so you can focus entirely on your new child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Discrimination

These answers can help you understand your rights under pregnancy discrimination protections and your next steps.

How do I prove pregnancy discrimination at work?

Proving pregnancy discrimination often depends on showing that your employer treated you differently because of your pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition.

Helpful evidence may include:

Emails
Text messages
Performance reviews
Witness statements
Sudden work schedule changes
Denied accommodation requests
Proof that other employees are treated more favorably in similar situations

Timing can also matter. If your employer fired you, reduced your hours, denied a promotion or changed your role shortly after learning about your pregnancy, that may help support your claim.

Do pregnancy discrimination laws apply if I just started a new job?

Pregnancy discrimination protections may still apply even if you recently started a new job. Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, employers generally cannot fire or demote you, refuse to hire you, or treat you unfairly because you are pregnant, have recently given birth or have a related medical condition.

Some benefits, such as FMLA leave, have eligibility requirements based on how long you have worked for the employer. However, other federal and state protections may still apply even if you are new to the company.

Are there specific accommodations my employer must provide during pregnancy in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under the PWFA, covered employers must provide reasonable accommodations for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or associated medical conditions unless the accommodation would cause an “undue hardship.” Depending on the situation, accommodations may include extra bathroom breaks, additional water breaks, periodic rest, temporary transfers to less strenuous work or adjusted work schedules.

Workers may also have protections under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which prohibits certain forms of pregnancy-related discrimination. In general, employers must treat pregnant employees similarly to employees with temporary disabilities when considering accommodations.

Who can help me with a pregnancy leave discrimination case in Pennsylvania?

Weisberg Cummings can help you with a pregnancy leave discrimination case. If your employer denied leave, punished you for requesting time off or failed to protect your job during pregnancy or childbirth recovery, our attorneys can assess your situation and explain your legal options.

We handle employment discrimination cases involving pregnancy, parental leave, accommodations and retaliation.

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Speak With a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in PA

No one should have to choose between their career and starting a family. If your employer violated your rights during pregnancy, time is of the essence when filing a claim. Our attorneys will review your case, build a tailored strategy and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 717-238-5707 or request a free case assessment today. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your health and your baby.

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