Buena Park Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Buena Park Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

Why is it that women continue to be discriminated against in the workplace or when attempting to rent a home, find a job, or access services? Even pregnant women are often treated differently because they are mothers to small children or choose to have children. If you’ve been discriminated against because you are pregnant, contact a Buena Park pregnancy discrimination lawyer today.

Why Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?

When you hire a Buena Park pregnancy discrimination lawyer from our small boutique firm, you get a fully dedicated legal advocate focused on protecting your rights. The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC, provides compassionate legal representation that meets each client’s unique needs. We are adept at handling pregnancy discrimination cases and work diligently to pursue fair outcomes for you.

What Qualifies as Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

Actions that qualify as pregnancy discrimination in California are the illegal or unfavorable treatment of employees or job applicants who are pregnant. This may include firing, demoting, or refusing to hire employees because they are pregnant. Employers must also consider reasonable accommodations, such as altering break times or making schedule changes.

Examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace can take different forms. Be aware of your rights and protect your career and financial future. The following are examples of pregnancy discrimination:

• Wrongful termination. This could include a pregnant woman asking her employer for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and PDL benefits or leave programs, and being terminated as a result.
• Denial of leave. Employers may attempt to deny maternity leave to pregnant employees. Sometimes the required rules are omitted from Human Resources policies, so employees are not aware that they are entitled to time off.
• Workplace retaliation. When a pregnant employee seeks out more information on FMLA, CFRA, or Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), and then experiences unexpected changes in their job role or work responsibilities. Or when a new mother takes maternity leave and returns to a pay reduction or unrequested changes in work responsibilities, or even a demotion.

Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination Laws

Pregnancy is a protected characteristic under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Pregnant workers are protected from discrimination by superiors, supervisors, colleagues, vendors, and even business clients.

An Orange County employer, TEG Staffing, Inc., was ordered to pay $185,000 in an EEOC pregnancy discrimination claim in January 2026. TEG was found to assign employees to work and then release them when they reported being pregnant. The company agreed to pay the fine and expunge records, provide neutral employment references, and consider reinstating former employees who were affected.

The EEOC reports that in 2024 data, California had 5,099 complaints of pregnancy discrimination, which is 5.8% of the reported total discrimination cases. California offers residents the strongest protections against pregnancy discrimination. The FEHA provides protections, as does the PDL, and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).

Pregnancy discrimination is protected when an employee takes a legal leave and fails to be reinstated. California Code of Regulations § 11039 explains the responsibilities for employers to follow anti-discrimination laws.

As a pregnant employee in California, you have legal obligations to your employer, including: 

• Provide a 30-day notice of PDL or need for accommodation, unless the need is an emergency.
• Provide a written medical certification from your primary healthcare provider for PDL or an accommodation.
• Keep in contact with your supervisor or human resources department for changes in PDL or if you decide to come back sooner or take an intermittent leave.

Under CFRA, you have the right to take up to 12 weeks of leave to bond with your child. CFRA leave is not required to be paid, but you can use any accrued paid time off. When possible, plan to work with your employer to schedule CFRA leave.

When to Hire a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer?

If you believe your pregnancy has caused you to be discriminated against in the workplace, hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer from The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC in Buena Park. Ms. Kim examines your case, helps file a complaint, and represents you in front of a jury or during private mediation to negotiate a fair settlement.

FAQs

How Much Is the Typical Compensation Amount for Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

The amount of a typical compensation settlement for pregnancy discrimination in California varies based on the size of the employer and the severity of each case. Smaller companies face lower cap amounts, whereas large employers can be liable for considerably more. Wrongful termination settlements tend to be the highest due to the recovery of lost wages and benefits.

How Do I Prove Pregnancy Discrimination in California?

You prove pregnancy discrimination in California by providing direct and circumstantial evidence that discrimination has occurred. Direct evidence might include being removed from a project that requires out-of-state travel on the assumption that a new mother or pregnant woman would not want to travel. Circumstantial evidence can be new rules that apply only to pregnant employees.

What Happens to a Pregnancy Discrimination Case That Goes to Court After the Pregnancy Is Over?

A pregnancy discrimination case that goes to trial after the pregnancy is over simply proceeds with a focus on past actions. Both the FEHA and EEOC pregnancy protection laws cover past pregnancies. The case proceeds based on the employer’s past actions. The fact that the pregnancy has ended does not affect the claim because pregnancy discrimination laws protect current and past pregnancies. The case can continue until it is resolved through settlement or trial.

What Are the Recommendations for Managing Pregnant Employees or Employees With Caregiving Responsibilities?

Managing pregnant employees or employees with caregiving responsibilities revolves around treating mothers and expecting mothers as you would any other employee. Never assume female employees with young children won’t be able to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment. Don’t assume pregnant females or those with young children want to spend more time at home, work part-time, or perform less demanding work.

Why The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC?

At The Law Office of Briana Kim, PC, we aspire to be your advocate for maintaining and preserving your workplace rights and protection from pregnancy discrimination. Our Buena Park pregnancy discrimination attorney delivers an unmatchable personalized legal experience based on experience and a strong sense of social responsibility. If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, contact us today and get started.

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Locations

249 East Ocean Blvd, Ste 814
Long Beach, CA 90802

6 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 700,
La Palma, CA 90623