Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Jacksonville
Causes of Discrimination Based on Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not the most common cause of discrimination in the workplace, but it is still a present reality that must be addressed. An employee's pregnancy may be viewed by the employer as a hindrance to productivity, especially because of the employee's need to care for the child after birth. Even though many employers offer maternity leave as a benefit or as required pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act, an employee's pregnancy can trigger adverse reactions.
An employer's discriminatory actions may be motivated by the need to find a temporary replacement or provide coverage during the employee's maternity leave. Schedule a case evaluation for legal representation with Jacksonville Employment Lawyer, Shands Wulbern.
Employers may also have concerns of increased insurance costs resulting from pregnancy in addition to family health benefit coverage after the birth of a new child. An employer's business concerns about a pregnant employee's productivity and added labor costs can often lead to discrimination.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination may take many forms, including, but not limited to:
- Harassment
- Termination
- Hostile work environment
- Discipline
- Demotion
- Reduced authority
- Reduced responsibility
- Pay reductions
- Passed over for promotions
- Lost employment opportunities
- Unfavorable treatment
Even if the discrimination only originates from lower-level supervisors or co-workers, the employer may still be liable for discrimination.
About the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for employers with at least 15 or more employees to discriminate against an employee on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. In addition, certain medical conditions associated with pregnancy may qualify as disabilities and therefore require employers to make accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws also require that charges of discrimination be filed with the appropriate administrative agency in accordance with strict filing deadlines.
Gain a better understanding of your legal rights by obtaining counsel from the Jacksonville employment lawyer at the Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A. By seeking legal advice from a lawyer who has experience in advising and litigating pregnancy discrimination claims, you can protect your rights.
If you believe you are the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace or have a legal issue involving a potential pregnancy discrimination claim, contact Attorney Shands M. Wulbern at once.