Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Albany, NY
Pregnancy discrimination can create serious challenges for employees who are simply trying to maintain their health, livelihood, and job security. In Albany, employees are protected by both federal and state laws. However, that doesn’t mean every employer will honor these protections. If you feel your rights have been violated, an Albany pregnancy discrimination lawyer may be able to help.
Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, brings over 50 years of combined experience in pregnancy discrimination laws and cases. Our dedicated legal team understands how important it is for individuals to maintain their health and their employment. Whether the discrimination you’re facing was blatant or more subtle, our firm can help you pursue accountability for what happened.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, a recent or upcoming childbirth, or a related medical condition. This type of discrimination can happen in any step of the employee lifecycle, including:
- Job applications, screening, and interview processes
- Hiring, onboarding, and training
- New or ongoing job assignments and daily tasks
- Current or future opportunities and benefits
- Demotion, suspension, or termination
Any of these stages and processes can be opportunities for discrimination to arise. While some employers will never say anything about a person’s pregnancy or related health matters, they still may be focused on these when making their decision. The result is a situation where the employee’s talents, experience, and work ethic are all unfairly ignored. Specific examples of pregnancy discrimination could include:
- Refusing to hire an employee with adequate credentials because they are pregnant
- Denying reasonable accommodations, such as modified duties or schedule changes
- Forcing an employee who is capable of working to take medical leave
- Reducing hours, pay, benefits, or responsibilities due to a pregnancy
- Disqualifying a pregnant worker from opportunities for which they are qualified
When you need an Albany pregnancy discrimination attorney, our firm is only a call away. We know how employers try to mistreat pregnant employees, including the tactics they use to try to cover it up. Our firm can pursue every legal option on behalf of the employees who call on us.
What Does the Law Say About Pregnancy Discrimination Laws
Pregnancy discrimination laws and protections exist at both the federal and state levels. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act includes the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
This protects workers and demands that companies treat them the same as they would treat other workers, which involves judging them based on work performance and credentials rather than pregnancy, birth, or other similar qualities. It also requires reasonable accommodations, unless they would cause the company undue hardship.
New York State law also provides several protections to pregnant workers, including:
- Occasional break times to rest or drink water
- A modified schedule to account for medical needs
- Leave, if related medical needs arise
- Available light-duty assignments
- Transfers away from hazardous duty
These protections are designed to help a pregnant person maintain the balance between their health and their career. The ideal result is a work environment where an employee doesn’t have to strain too hard and put their child or themselves at risk, while also not losing out on active participation, hours, and pay from the workplace.
If you feel that any of your rights have been violated, or if any related matters seem like discrimination, hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer from our firm today.
Pregnancy Discrimination Is a Statistically Likely Problem
Pregnancy discrimination is, sadly, quite common. Albany County reported 45.4 pregnancies per 1,000 females aged 14-55. This is slightly lower than the average for New York state, which was 52.7 per 1,000 females aged 14-55.
Pregnancy discrimination can happen to any of the approximately 3 million pregnant women in the workforce. Our legal team can provide you with skilled counsel aimed at defending your right to health, fair employment, and respect.
FAQs
Where Are Pregnancy Discrimination Cases Heard in Albany, NY?
Pregnancy discrimination cases in Albany, NY, are often heard at the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR). When you have a case coming up, a lawyer from our firm can help you by briefing you on court schedules, locations, expectations, and procedures. We can also represent you directly and speak on your behalf.
What Evidence Can Be Used in a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?
A pregnancy discrimination case may use a wide variety of evidence. This can include comparing workplace behavior and treatment before and after pregnancy, analyzing workplace opportunities in relation to other workers, or reviewing any communications between the employee and management. Our firm can gather the necessary evidence for your case and help dispute any evidence against you.
Does an Employee Have to Tell an Employer They Are Pregnant?
No, an employee is not legally required to tell their employer they are pregnant. However, this must be done when you are requesting accommodations or leave in relation to the pregnancy. Once your information is disclosed, you are protected under anti-discrimination laws. It’s important to note when you told your employer of your pregnancy when building a case.
How Can a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Help You?
A pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you in many ways. From claim evaluation, employer communication, and filing complaints to gathering evidence, attending court, and speaking on our behalf, a lawyer from our firm can support you all throughout your legal matter. The sooner you contact our team to start your case, the better.
Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Pregnancy discrimination is an unfair and unacceptable behavior in the workplace. But most importantly, it’s an illegal behavior in the workplace, and you shouldn’t have to tolerate it. We have a strong relationship in the New York legal system, and many positive reviews from past clients for our tireless work.
When you choose Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, you won’t be passed on to a legal assistant. You can work with a real attorney who is dedicated to your case outcome. We have a 98% success rate, and while no case outcome is guaranteed, we can show you the same diligence and care that has made us a favorite in Albany. Contact us today for a free consultation.