Proving pregnancy discrimination requires more than a victim's claim. There must be evidence that the employer acted against the individual exclusively based on their pregnancy. That evidence must be clear, inarguable, and documented.
Additionally, the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect against pregnancy-related discrimination in the workplace. Under these laws, it is illegal for employers to fire, demote, or refuse to hire a woman because she is pregnant.
Pregnancy is considered a temporary disability in the eyes of the law, meaning that the treatment of pregnant employees falls under the same jurisdiction as disabled employees. Treating a pregnant employee in a way that would violate disability standards is also a violation of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits employers with a minimum of 15 employees from: Refusing to hire a woman because of pregnancy. Firing or forcing a woman to leave her position because of pregnancy.
Violations have involved a variety of fact patterns, including: refusing to hire, failing to promote, demoting, or firing pregnant workers after learning they are pregnant; discharging workers who take medical leave for pregnancy-related conditions (such as a miscarriage);
To prove this kind of discrimination, you need to demonstrate that your employer treated you differently because you are or were recently pregnant. If your pregnancy prompted a harmful employment decision, such as termination or failure to promote, compensation may be available.
Average Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement in California Complexity of CaseAverage California Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement Minor Approximately: $50,000 – $100,000 Moderate Approximately: $100,000 – $250,000 High Approximately: $250,000 – $1,000,000
To successfully win a pregnancy discrimination claim, an employee must provide evidence showing that her pregnancy was a substantial motivating reason for an adverse employment (such as a demotion, a write up and, of course, a termination) and that other employees in similar situations were treated differently.
You absolutely can sue for being terminated for the sole purpose of being pregnant. There is a process to bring in the lawsuit against your employer, and I would strongly obtain an attorney right away.