In today’s world, many families rely on two incomes to make ends meet, and many women work while they are pregnant. If you have been discriminated against in the workplace in Phoenix, Arizona, because you are pregnant or might become pregnant, you could file a claim for damages.
The team at Houk Employment Attorneys has more than 45 years of combined experience fighting to protect our clients’ rights. We’re prepared to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (480) 569-2377 to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix pregnancy discrimination lawyer and let us put our experience to work for you.
How Houk Employment Attorneys Can Help After Pregnancy Discrimination in Phoenix
Going through a situation involving pregnancy discrimination can be difficult and highly emotional. You may be struggling to pay your bills, especially if you were wrongfully terminated because of your pregnancy. During this difficult time, you need a caring and compassionate Phoenix employment lawyer who will take the time to listen to your situation and help you get the justice you deserve.
Clients in Phoenix, AZ, turn to Houk Employment Attorneys after all types of workplace discrimination because:
- We have recovered millions of dollars to help victims move on with their lives
- We will give you the personal attention and respect that you deserve during this time
- Our team has extensive knowledge of both federal and state employment laws
Time is of the essence when dealing with any type of discrimination claim, so make sure that you do not hesitate to get the help you deserve. Contact us today for an initial consultation with a Phoenix pregnancy discrimination attorney and let us put together a winning strategy for your claim.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is a federal law that was added as an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits workplace discrimination based on pregnancy. The law goes on to state that “women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all employment-related purposes.”
It is important to note that this applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, firing, modifying job duties, or receiving benefits.
What Are Common Types of Pregnancy Discrimination?
Some common examples of behavior that could qualify as pregnancy discrimination include:
- Refusal to hire a candidate because they were pregnant
- Firing an employee because they become pregnant
- Denying a promotion to a pregnant employee
- Harassing a pregnant employee
- Restricting medical leave for a pregnant employee
- Retaliating against a pregnant employee for exercising her rights
If you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, contact the experienced team at Houk Employment Attorneys for help today.
How Do I File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
Filing a discrimination claim in Arizona can be a complicated process, especially if an EEOC claim is involved. This process requires following strict procedural rules and timelines, and failure to do so could result in your claim being denied.
In many cases, your claim must first be filed with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate your claim and encourage you to mediate the claim with your employer. They will issue a “right to sue” letter if they determine that your claim is valid. Once you receive the “right to sue,” your claim must quickly be filed.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Pregnancy Discrimination Victims?
Similar to a personal injury claim, victims of pregnancy discrimination are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This means that a victim can recover money for their financial and intangible physical and emotional losses.
Some common examples of damages in pregnancy discrimination cases are:
- Lost wages and back pay
- Loss of benefits
- Diminished earning capacity or loss of job opportunities
- Counseling expenses
- Medical bills
- Embarrassment
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
Proving the value of your financial losses is usually quite straightforward, while proving the value of your non-economic damages can be more difficult. You need the help of an experienced lawyer who can use expert witnesses to prove the total value of your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
The deadline to file your claim can depend on the specific law that applies to your situation. For EEOC claims in Arizona, you may have up to 300 days to file your claim. However, if filing your claim under Arizona law, the deadline may be shortened to 180 days.
It can also be challenging to determine exactly when the clock starts ticking in some cases. Since these rules are complex, you should always get help from an experienced employment lawyer. Missing the deadline could cause you to lose your ability to bring a claim altogether. Call Houk Employment Attorneys today to let us help you ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Phoenix Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers
If you suspect you may be the victim of pregnancy discrimination in Phoenix, AZ, call the team at Houk Employment Attorneys today. We will go to work immediately investigating your claim and gathering evidence to prove your case.
Know that you do not have to go through this difficult and emotional time alone. We are here to help, so call us today to speak to a Phoenix pregnancy discrimination attorney.
