Birmingham Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Should I Disclose My Pregnancy to Employers?

Employers cannot legally refuse to hire you simply because you are pregnant as long as you are capable of performing your job's significant functions. Under the law, potential employers cannot ask if you are pregnant or plan on having children. If you are still in the early stages of your pregnancy, it is up to you whether or not you wish to keep that information to yourself. On the other hand, you should notify your employer if you are currently employed since you will eventually need to take leave. 

To understand if advanced notification is required to take leave so that you fully comply with your company's policies, contact a pregnancy discrimination attorney at Michel Allen & Sinor. Once you take pregnancy leave, your employer must hold your job open for you, though they are only required to do this for the length of time they would hold a job for employees who are sick or on disability leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

What Remedies Are Available to Victims of Discrimination?

Victims of pregnancy discrimination might be eligible for compensation and other non-monetary relief, which could include:

• Back pay
• Promotion
• Reinstatement
• Compensatory damages for pain and suffering
• Punitive damages to punish the employer
• Other actions that could ensure the employee is in the condition she would have been in were it not for the discrimination she suffered

It is also possible for victims of discrimination to be compensated for attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. Additionally, employers are sometimes required to post notices to all of their employees that address the violations of a specific charge and inform their workers of their right to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

What Should I Do If My Employer Has Discriminated Against Me?

More often than not, an employer will do everything possible to avoid liability and might even claim that you did not follow the company's formal complaint procedure. If your employer has discriminated against you because of your pregnancy or other related medical condition, it is crucial to take the following steps:

• Keep records of all instances of pregnancy-based discrimination. These important details will be beneficial if you file a complaint or pursue legal action.
• Speak with your supervisor or a human resources representative to ensure you are following your company's grievance procedures, and record those interactions.
• If possible, try to find out if any other co-workers experienced similar issues while pregnant.

If you follow these steps and your company fails to resolve the issue, contact an attorney at Michel Allen & Sinor. Our attorneys have years of experience preparing and filing discrimination charges with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is tasked with investigating your case before your attorney files suit in federal court on your behalf.

Proving Pregnancy Discrimination

You will most likely need to prove that you were discriminated against at your workplace because of your pregnancy. In other words, it must prove that you were a victim of an "adverse employment action." You can do this by providing examples of the way that you have been treated since announcing your pregnancy and how you would have been treated differently if you were not pregnant. 

Know Your Rights: Legal Protections Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Understanding your rights as an employee is crucial when facing pregnancy discrimination in Alabama. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and other local laws provide protections for pregnant workers against discriminatory practices in the workplace.

As a pregnant employee, you have the right to:

• Fair Treatment: Employers must treat you the same as other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work, regardless of your pregnancy status.
• Reasonable Accommodations: If you require modifications to your work duties or environment due to pregnancy-related conditions, your employer is legally obligated to consider reasonable accommodations.
• Leave of Absence: You are entitled to take maternity leave without facing discrimination or negative repercussions upon your return to work.
• Job Security: You should not be terminated or demoted due to factors related to your pregnancy or childbirth.
• Seek Legal Help: If you believe you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to protect your rights.

At Michel Allen & Sinor, we believe that every expectant mother deserves a workplace that respects her rights. Our dedicated legal team is here to help you navigate the complexities of pregnancy discrimination and pursue justice. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation today!

Your Rights During Pregnancy: Understanding the Law

Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms, often leaving expectant mothers feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their rights in the workplace. It is crucial to understand that federal and state laws protect you against discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. At Michel Allen & Sinor, we strive to empower you by providing clear information about your legal rights.

Here are important points you should know:

• Job Security: Employers cannot fire or demote you because you are pregnant or planning a family. Ensure you are aware of your job protections.
• Right to Accommodations: You may be entitled to reasonable accommodations at work, such as modified duties or a flexible schedule, to help you manage your pregnancy.
• Health Benefits: Pregnancy-related health conditions must be treated with the same care as any other medical condition under the law.
• Benefits Continuation: Your health benefits should remain intact during your maternity leave, as stipulated by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

If you believe you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination or want to know more about your rights, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the process. Don’t let discrimination take away your peace of mind during such a vital time in your life. Contact us to discuss your situation confidentially.

Get in Touch with Our Birmingham Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

At Michel Allen & Sinor, our Birmingham pregnancy discrimination attorneys have focused on pregnancy and other forms of discrimination. With over 50 years of combined experience representing victims of unlawful discrimination, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to fight for your rights. Our highly trained team of legal professionals will work to help you recover any lost wages or other damages to which you might be entitled. 

Contact Michel Allen & Sinor by calling  today to schedule a consultation with our pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Birmingham!