Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Bringing new life into the world should never cost you your career. But the unfortunate truth is that pregnancy discrimination is far from uncommon. If you’re like many women who have been sidelined, demoted, or dismissed after announcing a pregnancy, it’s important to know that you have options. A pregnancy discrimination lawyer can stand by your side and help you fight back, safeguarding your rights while holding your employer accountable.
Don’t wait. Contact Rissmiller PLLC Employment Law Firm today for a free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you reclaim your rights and peace of mind. Expecting parents deserve fair treatment, and we’re here to ensure you don’t have to choose between family and career. Let us stand by your side and help you take back control—for you, your future, and your growing family.
Can a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Explain What Pregnancy Discrimination Is?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when your employer mistreats you due to pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related medical conditions. These discriminatory acts can range from subtle to blatant, including:
- Demotion or exclusion from promotions;
- Sudden changes in workload or responsibilities;
- Refusal to accommodate pregnancy-related health needs;
- Termination, pressure to quit, or forced resignation;
- Hostile treatment or harassment; and
- Retaliation or punitive actions for asserting your rights, such as requesting maternity leave.
Though these actions are illegal, we know fighting back can feel risky. Working with an experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyer makes a difference. We will fight tirelessly for the rights you’re entitled to while ensuring your employer treats you with the respect you deserve.
How Can Rissmiller PLLC’s Lawyers for Pregnancy Discrimination Help Me?
Hiring a lawyer for pregnancy discrimination means securing an advocate dedicated to your well-being. Our team has deep expertise in federal and New York state labor and pregnancy laws and will leverage them to your benefit, giving you a strategic advantage. We offer services that are instrumental in improving your situation, including:
- Case evaluation—a skilled pregnancy discrimination attorney can evaluate your case and assess the details to determine if discrimination occurred;
- Legal guidance—a pregnancy discrimination lawyer can explain your rights and the legal avenues available;
- Evidence Collection—a knowledgeable pregnancy discrimination lawyer will assist in gathering crucial documents, such as emails, performance reviews, and any record demonstrating changes in your work environment after your pregnancy disclosure;
- Negotiation—an advocate can negotiate with your employer or represent you in mediation to seek fair resolutions without litigation; and
- Courtroom representation—if negotiations fail, an employment lawyer can take your case to court and fight for the best outcome possible.
At Rissmiller PLLC, we’re dedicated to helping you regain control and achieve justice.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Contact an Attorney?
Knowing when workplace behavior crosses the line into illegal discrimination can be challenging. Consult a pregnancy discrimination attorney in New York if you experience any of the following:
- Your employer fired or demoted you without explanation around the time you disclosed your pregnancy;
- Your employer refuses to accommodate medical appointments or necessary breaks;
- Your employer excludes you from key projects or meetings after you announced your pregnancy;
- Your employer pressures you to take unpaid leave instead of offering reasonable accommodations; and
- Your employer gave you a negative evaluation or has increasingly scrutinized your work after you shared your pregnancy news.
If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, contact us. A qualified pregnancy discrimination attorney can evaluate your situation and determine whether you have a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Employer Says My Firing Was for Performance Reasons?
Employers often try to disguise discriminatory behavior by citing performance issues. You might still have a case if your performance reviews were positive before your pregnancy announcement or your duties and responsibilities changed drastically after disclosing your pregnancy. At Rissmiller PLLC, we can help uncover the real motives behind your termination.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
The timeline varies. New York employees generally have 300 days to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, New York law can extend that deadline up to three years, depending on the circumstances. Working with an experienced pregnancy discrimination attorney ensures you meet all filing requirements.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
You may be eligible for lost wages, reinstatement to your position, damages for emotional distress, and attorney’s fees. In cases of egregious misconduct, a court may also award punitive damages.
Can My Employer Fire Me While on Maternity Leave?
No. Firing an employee for taking legally protected leave is illegal under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and similar state laws. If this happens, contact us immediately. We will review your claim and walk you through your best course of action.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?
Some lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Others work on a flat fee or hourly fee basis. At Rissmiller PLLC, we offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your legal options and our fees before committing financially.
Searching for a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Near Me? Contact Rissmiller PLLC Today
Your search for a qualified pregnancy discrimination lawyer near me ends today. At Rissmiller PLLC, we understand how challenging and disheartening pregnancy discrimination can be. We offer the dedication, experience, and personal touch your case deserves. Firm founder Alex Rissmiller graduated from a top law school and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2022—an honor awarded to only 2.5% of lawyers in New York. Take advantage of our free consultations, and contact us today to explore your legal options with no financial risk.