Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Ventura

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement and preparation, not fear and uncertainty about your job. Unfortunately, some employers still discriminate against pregnant workers, violating both California and federal laws. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, Bamieh & De Smeth is here to stand up for your rights.

Our experienced Ventura employment attorneys are dedicated to protecting workers against pregnancy-based discrimination and helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy. This discrimination can happen at any stage of employment — from hiring and promotions to layoffs and terminations. Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:

Refusing to hire someone because they are pregnant
Firing or demoting an employee after learning they are pregnant
Denying reasonable accommodations, like more frequent breaks or modified duties
Pressuring an employee to take leave early or return to work before they’re ready
Reducing hours, pay, or responsibilities due to pregnancy
Retaliating against someone for requesting maternity leave or pregnancy-related accommodations

In Ventura and throughout California, these actions are illegal under both the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).

pregnant woman stinding next to a table with a laptop

Your Rights as a Pregnant Worker in Ventura

Under California law, pregnant employees have strong protections, including the right to:

Reasonable Accommodations: Your employer must provide reasonable adjustments to your job if you need them due to pregnancy.
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): You may be entitled to up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions, in addition to leave rights under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
No Retaliation: It’s illegal for an employer to punish you for asserting your rights related to pregnancy or family leave.

Employers in Ventura — whether large corporations or small businesses — are required to comply with these laws. If they don’t, you may have a valid claim for discrimination.

How Bamieh & De Smeth Can Help

Pregnancy discrimination cases can be emotional and complicated. Employers often deny wrongdoing or claim there were "other reasons" for their actions. Having a knowledgeable Ventura employment attorney on your side levels the playing field. At Bamieh & De Smeth, we provide:

Personalized Legal Strategy: We listen to your story, review your situation carefully, and design a strategy tailored to your goals.
Aggressive Representation: Whether negotiating a settlement or pursuing a lawsuit, we fight to hold employers accountable for discrimination and retaliation.
Compassionate Support: We understand how stressful these cases can be, especially when you’re focused on your health and family. We handle the legal stress so you can focus on what matters most.
No Fees Unless You Win: We offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning you owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Compensation in Pregnancy Discrimination Cases

If your employer has discriminated against you because of pregnancy, you may be entitled to recover:

Lost wages and benefits
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages (in cases of especially outrageous conduct)
Reinstatement (if you were wrongfully terminated)
Attorneys’ fees and legal costs

Every case is different, and we’ll help you understand what your claim may be worth.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

There are strict deadlines for filing a pregnancy discrimination claim, known as the statute of limitations. In California, you must typically file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) before proceeding to court.

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and building a strong case.