Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Rochester, NY
Carrying a child comes with many challenges, but dealing with discrimination at work shouldn’t be one of them. Unfortunately, many Rochester employees experience unlawful demotions, lost promotions, schedule cuts, or termination. If you believe you have experienced discrimination at work due to your pregnancy, reach out to a Rochester pregnancy discrimination lawyer.
In New York, state and federal protections ensure pregnant employees are treated the same as any other worker. Discrimination against New York workers impacts families across Monroe County, and knowing your legal protections is crucial.
Exceptional Representation in Rochester, NY
The legal team at Gattuso & Ciotoli has over 50 years of combined experience helping residents with discrimination claims in Rochester. Our dedicated attorneys have won substantial settlements for our clients, helping them recover from the unfair treatment they have experienced at work. We believe in personalized attention to each and every client and achieving the justice they deserve.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in Rochester
According to a national poll from the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly one in five mothers report experiencing pregnancy-related discrimination in the workplace.
Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Demoting or firing an employee
- Reducing work hours, responsibilities, or pay
- Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations
- Denying promotions, training, or opportunities
- Pressuring a pregnant worker to take an early leave
- Harassing someone or creating a hostile work environment
If you believe you are experiencing any of these illegal and unlawful actions, hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer to determine if you have grounds for a claim and to understand what you are entitled to under the law.
Pregnancy Discrimination Laws
In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported 2,132 pregnancy-discrimination charges. Unfair treatment due to pregnancy is unlawful, and, as a Rochester worker, you need to know your rights and protections.
The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. New York State offers even stronger protections for Rochester workers in need of pregnancy-related support under the New York Human Rights Law.
In 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act expanded the New York State Human Rights Law to ensure pregnant New Yorkers remain protected. Some of the reasonable accommodations are the following:
- Flexible times to eat or take breaks
- Closer parking
- Exclusion from hazardous tasks
- Modified job duties
- Approval for time off for doctor appointments
- Modifying the dress code
- Leave to recover from conditions related to pregnancy
If you feel you are being discriminated against because of your pregnancy or that your rights are being violated, contact a Rochester pregnancy discrimination attorney for a free consultation today. Enforcement of your rights depends on timely reporting and documentation.
Proving Pregnancy Discrimination Is Happening to You
According to a report published by the National Library of Medicine, the majority of pregnancy-related discrimination charges were related to the following:
- Termination
- Reassignments
- Harassment
- Terms of employment
- Retaliation
If you believe you were wrongly terminated, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against because of your pregnancy, it is important to document everything you can. Keep detailed logs of all instances of suspected discrimination, performance reviews, communication, such as emails and texts, and the names of any witnesses.
How a Rochester Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Can Help
Pregnant employees may receive sudden schedule cuts or be denied reasonable accommodations. A pregnant worker may receive unfair evaluations or pressure from their boss to take an early leave. These are situations that signal unlawful discrimination. A Rochester pregnancy discrimination attorney understands these patterns and how local employers handle (or mishandle) discrimination claims.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, our team handles employment and pregnancy discrimination cases across New York, providing the people of Rochester with trusted guidance when they need it the most. We evaluate the evidence and negotiate with employers to ensure that compensation, accommodations, and workplace protections are in place.
When you are ready to take the next step in restoring your rights, contact an attorney at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC for a free consultation and a clear path moving forward.
FAQs
What Are Some Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination?
Some examples of pregnancy discrimination involve being fired or demoted, having your hours or responsibilities reduced, being denied promotions or opportunities, offensive comments, denying reasonable accommodations, or being pressured to take a leave of absence before you are ready. These are just some of the ways you may experience pregnancy discrimination in Rochester.
What Is the Burden of Proof for Pregnancy Discrimination?
To prove pregnancy discrimination in Rochester, you need to show you were treated unfairly because of your pregnancy. When proving pregnancy discrimination, include any emails, performance reviews, schedule changes, or witness statements you have. An experienced pregnancy discrimination attorney can organize your evidence and craft a solid claim that proves a clear link between your mistreatment and pregnancy.
What Are My Rights as a Pregnant Employee?
Pregnant workers in Rochester have strong legal rights. According to federal and New York pregnancy discrimination laws, you cannot be fired, demoted, or denied opportunities because of your pregnancy. You also have the right to request reasonable accommodations without proving a disability, or the right to return to your job after a leave.
What Damages Can You Receive in a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?
There are several types of damages that an individual could be eligible to receive in a pregnancy discrimination case. Damages could include lost wages, court or attorney fees, future lost wages, and punitive damages, if applicable. Compensation can also include that for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, humiliation, or loss of enjoyment in life.
Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today
Your pregnancy should never put your job in jeopardy. If you have experienced unfair treatment at work in Rochester, the attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, are ready to help. Our seasoned legal team brings local insight, decades of employment law experience, and a strong commitment to protecting New York workers. Contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your case and protect your rights under New York law.