Fresno Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney: Fighting Back Against Illegal Job Loss & Denied Leave

If you have been fired, demoted, or denied a reasonable accommodation or parental leave due to pregnancy in Fresno County, your employer likely violated the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). We specialize exclusively in representing employees in the Central Valley, taking cases on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.

California Law vs. Federal Law: Maximizing Your Protection Under FEHA

FEHA offers much stronger protection than the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Here is what you need to know about your rights:

• Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) Explained: PDL allows up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions, separate from standard medical leave.
• FEHA's Duty to Accommodate: Employers must provide specific, reasonable accommodations (e.g., modified work duties, a stool/chair, more frequent breaks) if advised by your doctor.
• The Crucial Distinction: California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and PDL can often be stacked, granting significantly more than 12 weeks of total job-protected time off for both disability and bonding.

Proving Wrongful Termination Based on Pregnancy

Being terminated while pregnant or after announcing a pregnancy is a strong indicator of illegal discrimination. Our strategy focuses on the following:

• Identifying Illegal Reasons: We look for specific, real-world examples of illegal termination, such as being fired immediately after announcing your pregnancy, or being suddenly criticized for your performance after a doctor requests a work restriction.
• The Pretext Burden: Your employer may claim a "legitimate" reason (e.g., poor performance, layoff). We work to prove this reason was merely a pretext for discrimination, a key legal step to winning your case.

Retaliation for Requesting Leave is Illegal

Any adverse action taken against you after engaging in a "protected activity" is illegal retaliation. This includes:

• Filing a complaint about discrimination.
• Merely asking your HR department or supervisor about PDL or CFRA leave.
• The timing of the adverse action (e.g., being demoted or fired within a short period after your request) is often a powerful piece of evidence in your favor.

Q&A Section: Common Fresno Client Questions

Q: Can my employer deny my request to work from home due to my pregnancy?

A: Yes, but only if they can prove the accommodation is an "undue hardship." If your doctor recommended it, your employer must engage in a good-faith "interactive process" to find a solution. Refusing without discussion is often illegal.

Q: What is the STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS WARNING for a pregnancy discrimination case in California?