California
Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement and preparation, not fear about losing your job or being treated unfairly at work. Unfortunately, far too many California employees face discrimination when they become pregnant, request medical leave, or return to work as new parents.

Attorney Michael Velarde stands up for pregnant workers and new parents whose rights have been violated. If your employer has discriminated or retaliated against you because of your pregnancy or related conditions, he is here to fight back.

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What His Clients Say

”“I retained Mr. Velarde for a Wrongful Termination case. I found him to be reliable and trustworthy. He was compassionate when I was frustrated. He explained things when I was confused. He tolerated my bad jokes. Mr. Velarde took a great deal of time with me making sure I felt confident and reassured in my case. He was also very honest no matter what the news was. In the end, he won my case! Great attorney and human.”
- Erin F.

”“Michael recently represented me in three cases that resulted in significant victory. His approach is nothing short of impressive. When faced with challenges, he tackles them head-on, demonstrating remarkable determination and creativity. From our first meeting, it was clear that he prioritizes his clients. He was always available to answer questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process. His commitment and hard work truly made a difference in the outcome of my case. If you’re looking for an attorney who will advocate for you with passion and professionalism, I highly recommend him. He is a true champion for his clients.”
- Michelle M.

”“I hired Michael for a civil case and was blown away with the level of professionalism and service he displayed. He helped me secure a six figure settlement and was very attentive throughout the process. He has a good heart and truly cares.”
- Angel F.

Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit Services

Mr. Velarde has decades of experience representing employees throughout California who have been discriminated against before, during, or after pregnancy.

He has the skills and knowledge of the law to hold employers accountable and stand up for your rights as a pregnant employee.

Cases that Mr. Velarde handles include:

Pregnancy Discrimination Claims: Mr. Velarde helps employees who’ve been terminated, demoted, or otherwise discriminated or retaliated against due to pregnancy or related medical conditions.
Wrongful Termination After Maternity Leave: If you were fired after announcing your pregnancy or taking leave, you may be entitled to compensation.
Denied Pregnancy-Related Accommodations: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, such as modified duties or additional breaks.

Medical and Family Leave Violations: Eligible employees are entitled to job-protected leave under California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as well as the Fair Employment and Housing Act more broadly.
Harassment or Hostile Work Environment: Pregnant employees are sometimes subjected to harassment, isolation, or negative assumptions about their capabilities.

California law protects your right to have a family without sacrificing your career. Mr. Velarde can help you protect that right.

Understanding Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee in California

California offers some of the strongest legal protections in the country for pregnant employees and working parents.

There are a number of state and federal laws that provide these protections, including:

California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL)
California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

One of the rights that most pregnant California employees are afforded is the right to medical leave for pregnancy and childbirth.

If you work for an employer with at least 5 employees, you may be eligible for up to 4 months of unpaid, job-protected pregnancy disability leave (PDL) for time off related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The State of California also provides partial wage replacement benefits for many workers.

If your employer has 5 or more employees, and you’ve worked there for at least a year, you may also qualify for up to 12 weeks of additional unpaid leave under the CFRA for:

Bonding with a newborn or adopted child
Recovering from childbirth
Caring for a seriously ill spouse, child, or parent
Managing your own serious health condition

During this time, your employer must maintain your health benefits and reinstate you to your original or a comparable position upon your return.

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act more broadly, disability accommodation protections can allow for even longer leave periods in some instances. This has to be analyzed on a case by case basis.

It is illegal for employers to deny eligible leave, or retaliate against an employee for taking or requesting leave. In addition, retaliation against or harassment of an employee simply for being pregnant can be a violation of their rights as well.

If your employer violated any of these laws, you may be entitled to lost wages, emotional distress damages, and even punitive damages. It’s important to contact an experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyer and learn about your options.

How Mr. Velarde Can Help

No one should be punished for their choice to have a family. Mr. Velarde understands how deeply personal and disruptive pregnancy discrimination can be, especially when your job is on the line. He is here to protect your rights and demand the accountability you deserve.

Whether you’re dealing with unlawful termination, denied accommodations, or retaliation after taking leave, Mr. Velarde will fight to set things right. He takes on employers of all sizes, from regional businesses to multi-national corporations, and he doesn’t back down.

Here’s how he does it:

Mr. Velarde will gather the facts, review documents, and look for inconsistencies or retaliation patterns that reveal the truth behind your situation.
He will work to build compelling, evidence-backed arguments designed to show exactly how your legal rights were violated.
Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, Mr. Velarde tailors his approach to your goals and your specific case.
Mr. Velarde will treat your case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. You’ll get direct communication, honest advice, and an attorney that’s fully committed to helping you move forward.

You deserve to be treated fairly — as a worker, a parent, and a person. Mr. Velarde can help you get the justice you deserve.

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FAQs

Am I entitled to pregnancy leave in California?

If you work for a company with more than 5 employees, then yes. You are entitled to up to 4 months of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), and depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for an additional 12 weeks under CFRA for bonding or recovery. In addition, under the Fair Employment and Housing Act more broadly, disability accommodation protections can allow for even longer leave in some instances.

Can I take leave if I haven’t worked at the company for a full year?

You may still be eligible for leave under PDL or the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Talk to an experienced employment lawyer to find out more.

What happens if my employer refuses to reinstate me after my leave?

This is a common employment rights violation. You may have a legal claim, and be entitled to lost wages and emotional distress damages.

What if my doctor says I need light-duty or modified work?

Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions if doing so does not cause undue hardship. This has to be analyzed on a case by case basis.

What if my employer says I’m a liability or can’t do my job while pregnant?

Assumptions about a pregnant worker’s capabilities are a form of discrimination. Contact a pregnancy discrimination lawyer as soon as possible to learn more.

Contact an Experienced Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today

You have the right to care for your family and protect your career. If you’ve experienced discrimination, denial of leave, or harassment related to your pregnancy, Mr. Velarde is ready to help. Contact Mr. Velarde today to schedule a consultation.

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