Getting fired because you’re pregnant isn’t just wrong — it’s against the law. If this happened to you in Pasadena, California, you’ll be glad to know that the state has strong labor laws designed to protect you
Here’s what you need to know and do next.
Your rights are protected
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act makes it illegal to fire someone for being pregnant. Your boss can’t let you go just because you’re having a baby or need time off for pregnancy care. The state also gives you up to four months of unpaid leave through the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law. This means your job should be there when you come back.
Start by getting your proof
You need to collect evidence that shows what happened:
- Save all your emails, texts and any papers from work.
- Keep your performance reviews too.
- Write down what your boss said about your pregnancy and firing.
These details matter a lot for you to build your case.
File your complaint first
Before you can sue, you must file with the California Civil Rights Department. You can do this online at their website. They will look into what happened and might help fix things without going to court. If they think you have a good case, they can even file a lawsuit for you.
Know what you could get back
If you win your case, you might get several things:
- You could get back pay for wages you lost.
- If you can’t get your old job back, you might get front pay for future lost money.
- You can also get money for emotional pain. Sometimes courts make employers pay extra money as punishment.
- If you win, your lawyer fees might get paid too.
There are a number of things you can win and get paid for, so make sure you build your case right.
Important things to remember
Talk to a lawyer who knows employment law. They can tell you if your case is strong and walk you through each step. Having someone who knows the system helps a lot.
Don’t wait too long to take action. The law has time limits for filing complaints. The sooner you start, the better your chances of getting help.
Remember, you have rights that protect you from pregnancy discrimination. If your employer broke these rules, help is available to make things right.