Losing your job while pregnant is not only stressful—it is often illegal. In California, you are protected under state and federal laws that prohibit employers from firing you, reducing your hours, or retaliating against you simply because you are expecting a baby. If you believe your employer terminated you due to your pregnancy, you have the right to take legal action and pursue compensation.
At LIPELES LAW GROUP, we help workers like you understand their rights and hold employers accountable for unlawful practices.
Pregnancy Discrimination Is Illegal in California
California has some of the strongest workplace protections in the country. Several laws safeguard your right to work while pregnant, including:
1. California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
This law makes it illegal for employers to fire, demote, or discriminate against you because you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or recovering from childbirth.
2. Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
If you cannot work due to pregnancy-related conditions, you are entitled to up to four months of job-protected leave.
3. Reasonable Accommodations
Your employer must provide accommodations such as modified duties, additional breaks, or temporary reassignment—unless doing so creates an undue hardship.
4. Retaliation Protections
Your employer cannot punish you for requesting accommodation, taking medical leave, or asserting your rights.
Example:
If your employer reduces your hours after discovering you are pregnant, that action may violate FEHA and could entitle you to compensation.
What You Should Do If You Were Fired for Being Pregnant
Taking the right steps early can strengthen your case:
1. Document Everything
Save emails, text messages, schedule changes, and negative comments. This information can be crucial evidence.
2. Request Your Employment File
You have the right to obtain your personnel records, which may show sudden negative evaluations or changes after revealing your pregnancy.
3. Write Down What Happened
Record dates, times, and the names of anyone involved in meetings or conversations about your pregnancy.
4. Contact an Employment Attorney Immediately
A lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you pursue compensation.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
Avoid these errors:
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Accepting a small severance in exchange for waiving your rights
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Failing to gather evidence
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Waiting too long to act
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Engaging in arguments or confrontations with your employer
Each of these mistakes can weaken your case or reduce the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
How LIPELES LAW GROUP Can Help You
If you need support after being fired during pregnancy, our firm is prepared to fight for you. Our legal team also represents workers facing discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
We can help you pursue:
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Lost wages
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Loss of benefits
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Emotional distress damages
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Reinstatement or settlement negotiation
You deserve fair treatment and the opportunity to focus on your health and your baby—not on workplace discrimination.
Take Action Today
If you were fired because you are pregnant, you do not have to face this situation alone. California law protects you, and you may be entitled to indemnización accidente, damages, and other forms of compensation.
Contact LIPELES LAW GROUP for a free consultation and let our team help you defend your rights and your future.