NYC Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy should never be a reason for a woman to lose her job, face reduced hours, or suffer workplace discrimination. Yet every year in New York City, pregnant employees are subjected to unfair treatment, retaliation, and even termination simply because they are expecting or dealing with related medical conditions. This form of employment discrimination is illegal under both federal and state laws. If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, you have legal rights and options.

At Greenberg Gross LLP, our legal team is committed to protecting pregnant workers throughout New York City. Our pregnancy discrimination lawyers provide experienced representation for clients who have been mistreated due to their pregnancy status or for requesting reasonable accommodations during this critical time. Whether you’re preparing for childbirth or recovering from pregnancy related medical conditions, you deserve respect, support, and protection under the law.

Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination and Your Legal Protections

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a pregnant employee unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This includes refusing to hire, demoting, reducing pay, denying promotions, or terminating an employee for reasons linked to pregnancy. It can also include failure to provide reasonable accommodations or unpaid leave under applicable laws.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy in all workplaces with fifteen or more employees. Federal law requires employers to treat pregnant women the same as any other temporarily disabled worker. This means making reasonable accommodations unless doing so causes undue hardship.

In addition to the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, New York City has its own laws protecting pregnant employees. Under local laws, employers with four or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy related needs, including more frequent breaks, modified work schedules, or temporary transfers to less strenuous duties. These accommodations must be provided unless they create an undue hardship for the employer.

Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Employees

Employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with pregnancy related medical conditions, as long as the request is supported by a doctor’s note and does not impose an undue hardship. Examples of such accommodations include light duty assignments, more flexible scheduling, time off for prenatal appointments, or temporary reassignment away from physically demanding tasks.

New York laws provide broad protections for pregnant employees, reinforcing the importance of fair treatment and equal opportunity. If an employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations or penalizes an employee for requesting them, this may constitute a discriminatory act under both federal and state law.

Greenberg Gross LLP helps clients document these requests, respond to employer denials, and take legal action when necessary to enforce their rights. Our pregnancy discrimination attorneys understand the challenges pregnant workers face and are prepared to fight for your ability to work without fear of retaliation or job loss.

Building a Pregnancy Discrimination Case

To prove pregnancy discrimination, it is often necessary to show that the employer knew about the pregnancy or related medical condition and then took adverse action. This may involve collecting witness statements, preserving emails or written policies, and securing medical records or a doctor’s note showing your condition and accommodation needs.

In a successful pregnancy discrimination case, an employee may recover lost wages, compensation for emotional distress, and other damages. Courts may also order reinstatement to the same position or an equivalent one, depending on the outcome.

Greenberg Gross LLP works closely with each client to build a strong case based on evidence and legal protections under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and relevant New York City laws. We provide personalized legal assistance to pregnant women who are navigating challenging work environments and need a trusted legal team on their side.

Who Is Protected Under Pregnancy Discrimination Laws

Pregnancy discrimination laws protect current employees, job applicants, and even individuals returning from pregnancy related medical leave. Whether you are working full time or part time, applying for a position, or requesting time off for childbirth or related medical conditions, your rights are covered under federal and state laws.

Employees are also protected if they experience complications or need time off for recovery. The Family Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees with unpaid leave to address serious health conditions, including those arising from pregnancy. In many cases, a combination of federal and New York protections apply.

Our pregnancy discrimination attorneys help clients understand how each law intersects and what legal options are available based on your employment status, medical needs, and how your employer has responded.

Supporting Pregnant Workers Across New York City

At Greenberg Gross LLP, we understand the physical and emotional strain that discrimination can place on pregnant employees. We proudly represent clients across New York City, advocating for their rights and holding employers accountable under the law. Our firm has a proven track record in employment law and a deep understanding of pregnancy discrimination claims.

We believe in helping women achieve justice when their rights have been violated. Our legal team works diligently to provide fair treatment and help clients recover lost wages and seek damages when necessary. If you need a pregnancy discrimination lawyer who listens, fights for you, and knows how to navigate the legal process, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as pregnancy discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination includes any unfair treatment at work related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This may involve termination, demotion, denial of accommodations, or failure to hire due to pregnancy.

Can my employer fire me for being pregnant?

No. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from firing an employee due to pregnancy. If your employer does this, you may have grounds for a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit.

Am I entitled to accommodations if I have pregnancy related needs?

Yes. Both federal law and New York City laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees unless it causes an undue hardship.

How do I prove pregnancy discrimination?

To prove pregnancy discrimination, you can present evidence such as medical records, witness statements, employer emails, and a timeline showing discriminatory behavior after disclosing your pregnancy.

What should I do if I face pregnancy discrimination at work?

You should document what happened, consult an experienced pregnancy discrimination attorney, and consider filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a local agency. Legal assistance can help protect your job and enforce your rights.