Central Coast Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney
The Central Coast’s Trusted Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights, Supporting Your Family
Pregnancy should be an exciting and joyous time in your life. Whether it’s your first child or one of many, the journey of bringing a new life into the world is special. But what happens when your employer doesn’t treat your pregnancy as a natural part of life, or worse, sees it as an inconvenience? Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination is still a reality for many people, and it’s completely unacceptable. If you’ve faced unfair treatment at work because of your pregnancy, it can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. I’m John McCarthy. I’m here to help you take back control and fight for your rights.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The law is clear: under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), pregnancy discrimination is illegal. Whether you’re being denied accommodations, facing harassment, being passed over for a promotion, or even wrongfully terminated because of your pregnancy, this treatment violates your rights.
But the law doesn’t just protect women during pregnancy—it also covers the period after childbirth. Employers must treat pregnancy and childbirth-related medical conditions like any other temporary disability. They’re also required to provide reasonable accommodations, such as more frequent breaks, lighter duties, or time off to recover. Unfortunately, many employers try to sidestep these responsibilities.
As a Central Coast pregnancy discrimination attorney, I’m passionate about protecting the rights of expecting mothers and their families across Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. No one should have to choose between their family and their job, and I’ll fight to ensure that you don’t have to.
Recognizing Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
It’s not always easy to spot pregnancy discrimination. Employers may try to disguise it as something else, like poor performance or company policy. But if you suspect that your pregnancy played a role in how you’re being treated at work, trust your gut. Some common signs of pregnancy discrimination include:
Being passed over for promotions or raises: If you’re suddenly not considered for advancement after announcing your pregnancy, even though your work hasn’t changed, that’s a red flag.
Demotion or reduction in responsibilities: Employers may reassign pregnant employees to less visible or less prestigious roles, using the excuse of “helping you out,” when in reality, they’re sidelining you.
Hostile work environment: Comments from coworkers or supervisors about your pregnancy, such as questions about your commitment to your job or jokes about your maternity leave, can create a toxic workplace. Harassment because of your pregnancy is illegal.
Denial of accommodations: If your doctor has recommended accommodations, such as less physically demanding tasks or a more flexible schedule, and your employer refuses to comply, they are violating your rights.
Unlawful termination: If you’re fired or laid off soon after announcing your pregnancy, or the need for pregnancy leave, this could be a case of wrongful termination due to pregnancy discrimination.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, you may have a pregnancy discrimination case. It’s crucial to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing claims. I understand the delicate nature of these situations and will work with you every step of the way to ensure you feel supported and empowered to seek justice.
Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee in California
California provides robust protections for pregnant employees, and as a pregnancy discrimination attorney serving California’s Central Coast, I’m well-versed in the laws that safeguard your rights. You’re entitled to fair treatment and reasonable accommodations during and after your pregnancy. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important protections:
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): In California, if you’re disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, you have the right to take up to four months of leave. This leave can be taken all at once or intermittently, depending on your needs and doctor’s recommendations. Importantly, you are entitled to return to your same or a comparable position when your leave is over.
Reasonable Accommodations: Under California law, your employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions. This can include things like modified work duties, a different workstation, more frequent rest breaks, or time off for prenatal appointments. Employers are not allowed to force you to take leave if a reasonable accommodation would allow you to continue working.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA): These laws allow you to take additional unpaid leave to bond with your child or deal with pregnancy-related health issues. Under FMLA and CFRA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave for bonding or serious health conditions related to childbirth.
Lactation Accommodation: After you return to work, California law requires that your employer provide you with a private, non-bathroom space to express breast milk, along with reasonable break time to do so.
Employers in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties are required to follow these laws. Unfortunately, not all of them do, and that’s where I come in. As your Central Coast pregnancy discrimination attorney, I’ll make sure your employer is held accountable if they’ve violated any of these rights.
What Can You Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against?
If you believe you’ve been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, it’s essential to take action. Here are a few steps you can take:
Document Everything: Keep a record of any discriminatory behavior, including emails, conversations, and actions that suggest unfair treatment. Make note of dates, times, and people involved.
Know Your Company’s Policies: Review your employee handbook to understand your company’s policies regarding pregnancy, leave, and accommodations. If your employer isn’t following their own rules, that’s a strong sign of discrimination.
File a Complaint with HR: If you feel comfortable, file a formal complaint with your human resources department. This creates a record of your concerns and puts the company on notice.
Reach Out for Legal Help: Pregnancy discrimination cases can be complicated, especially when emotions are running high. That’s where I come in. I’ll listen to your story, evaluate the facts, and help you determine the best course of action. If your employer isn’t willing to resolve the issue internally you can pursue legal action to hold them accountable.
Why Choose Me as Your Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney?
I understand how challenging it can be to navigate these situations, especially when you’re also dealing with the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, or motherhood. You need an attorney who is not only knowledgeable about the law but also compassionate about what you’re going through. As someone who has spent years fighting for the rights of individuals across the Central Coast of California, I have the experience and dedication to get results.
Here are a few reasons why clients trust me with their pregnancy discrimination cases:
Personalized Attention: I don’t hand off cases to junior attorneys or paralegals. When you work with me, you get direct access to an experienced attorney who will take the time to understand your unique situation.
Compassionate Counsel: I know this is more than just a legal issue for you—it’s your life and your livelihood. I approach every case with empathy and respect for what you’re going through.
Local Expertise: I’m based right here on California’s Central Coast, which means I understand the local laws, courts, and employment climate in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. Whether you work in agriculture, education, tech, or tourism, I’m familiar with the industries that drive our local economy, and I know how to hold employers accountable.
Proven Results: I’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for my clients, including many in employment-related cases. I have a reputation for standing up to big companies and winning.
How I Can Help You Fight Pregnancy Discrimination
If you’ve faced pregnancy discrimination, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to:
Lost wages: If you were demoted, passed over for a promotion, or wrongfully terminated because of your pregnancy, you could recover the wages you lost as a result.
Emotional distress: Pregnancy is stressful enough without having to deal with harassment or unfair treatment at work. If you’ve suffered emotional harm due to pregnancy discrimination, you could be compensated for that as well.
Job reinstatement: If you were fired or demoted, you might be able to get your job back, along with back pay for the time you were out of work.
Punitive damages: In cases where an employer’s actions were particularly egregious, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the employer and deter future misconduct.
I’ll work closely with you to determine the best legal strategy for your case, whether that’s negotiating a settlement or taking the case to court. My goal is to make sure you’re treated fairly and receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
If you’re ready to take action against pregnancy discrimination, I’m here to help. I offer free, confidential case evaluations to anyone who believes they’ve been discriminated against because of their pregnancy. If I think I can help, I’ll get you scheduled for a free consultation. I’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you decide the best way to move forward. If I don’t think I can help, I’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. As your Central Coast pregnancy discrimination attorney, I’ll be by your side every step of the way, fighting for your rights and your future.
Serving the Central Coast: Local Focus with a Personal Touch
As a longtime resident of California’s Central Coast, I know how unique our communities are. From the coastal beauty of Santa Cruz and Monterey to the agricultural heartlands of Hollister and Salinas, and the vibrant culture of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, this region is more than just a place to work—it’s home.
I understand the local industries that shape our region, from agriculture to education, tourism, and tech. Whether you’re a teacher in Santa Cruz, a healthcare worker in Monterey, or part of the hospitality industry in Santa Barbara, you deserve fair treatment at work, regardless of your pregnancy. Employers sometimes wrongly assume that pregnancy means reduced productivity, or that new parents won’t be as committed to their jobs. These assumptions are both unfair and illegal.
No matter where you’re located across the Central Coast, I’ll meet you where you are—literally or figuratively. I make it easy for my clients to connect with me by phone, email, or video chat, and if we need to meet in person, I’ll find a time and place that works for you. Whether you’re in Watsonville, Santa Maria, or somewhere in between, I’ll ensure your voice is heard, and your case gets the attention it deserves.
Compassionate Counsel and Strong Advocacy
Pregnancy discrimination cases can be emotionally exhausting, especially if you’re also juggling the demands of pregnancy or caring for a new baby. I understand how deeply personal these cases are, which is why I handle every situation with care, patience, and discretion. However, compassion doesn’t mean we’ll back down. If an employer is treating you unfairly, I will fight fiercely to hold them accountable.
I’ll also guide you through the legal process step-by-step, explaining everything in plain language and answering your questions along the way. Legal proceedings can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go through them alone. I’m here to handle the tough conversations and negotiations so you can focus on your health and your growing family.
Time is of the Essence: Don’t Wait to Seek Help
In California, there are time limits (called statutes of limitations) for filing pregnancy discrimination claims. Acting quickly ensures your legal options remain open. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to hold your employer accountable.
I offer free case evaluations to help you determine if you have a claim. There’s no pressure or obligation—just a chance to understand your options and decide the best path forward. If I can take your case, we’ll move forward with a plan to get you justice. If not, I’ll still point you in the right direction to make sure you have the support you need.
Building a Better Workplace for Everyone
Pregnancy discrimination affects more than just one person—it can have a ripple effect across families and workplaces. By standing up against discrimination, you’re not only fighting for your own rights but helping to make the workplace better for future parents and employees. Every case we win sends a message: discrimination won’t be tolerated in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or anywhere else in California.
Contact Me Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation
If you’ve faced pregnancy discrimination, you deserve justice, and I’m here to help you get it. My firm offers free, confidential case evaluations, and I typically respond the same business day. If I think I can help, I’ll schedule a free consultation. I’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you determine your next steps. If I can help, we’ll move forward together. If not, I’ll still make sure you get the guidance you need.
No one should have to choose between their job and their family. If your employer has treated you unfairly because of your pregnancy, it’s time to take action. You’re not alone—I’ll be with you every step of the way. Let’s fight for your rights, your family, and your future.
Reach out today for your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice. You’ve got enough on your plate right now—let me handle the legal side of things so you can focus on what matters most: your family and your future.
Serving the entire Central Coast, including Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties and beyond.