Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy Discrimination Law – Trusted Legal Experts

Know Your Rights: Pregnancy Discrimination in Washington

The attorneys at Corr Downs fight tirelessly for women who have suffered harassment, discrimination, and retaliation because of their pregnancy, potential pregnancy, or status as a new mother and caregiver. Facing unfair treatment at work during such a significant time in your life is not just wrong—it’s illegal. If you believe your pregnancy and employment rights have been violated, our experienced team is here to provide the pregnancy discrimination legal help you need.

This type of unlawful conduct can take many forms. It may be overt, like being fired after announcing your pregnancy, or more subtle, such as being passed over for a promotion, receiving unfavorable assignments, or experiencing a hostile work environment. It can also involve a denial of leave or a refusal to provide reasonable pregnancy accommodations. No matter the situation, a skilled pregnancy discrimination attorney can help you understand your options.

Pregnancy Discrimination Is Illegal in Washington

Federal and state laws offer strong protections for pregnant employees. A key piece of legislation in Washington is the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). This powerful law protects employees from discrimination based on pregnancy, pregnancy-related illnesses or disabilities, or even the likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Under the WLAD, it is illegal for an employer to harass, demote, terminate, or otherwise discriminate against you for becoming pregnant or because of the birth of a child. This means that major pregnancy and employment decisions cannot be based on your status as an expectant or new mother. You are not required to disclose your pregnancy to a current or prospective employer, and if you do, they cannot treat you any differently than other employees.

Your Right to Accommodations and Leave

Employers in Washington have a legal duty to provide fair treatment regarding leave and medical needs. A woman on pregnancy-related leave must be treated the same as other employees on leave for sickness or other temporary disabilities. This ensures that pregnancy leave benefits are provided on par with other disability leave benefits your employer offers.

Furthermore, disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth cannot be excluded from an employer’s standard leave or benefits policies. This protection is crucial for ensuring pregnancy and workplace equality.

Common Forms of Pregnancy Discrimination

Recognizing discrimination is the first step toward fighting it. Our firm handles a wide range of cases related to unfair treatment due to pregnancy.

Pregnancy Harassment and Retaliation

Pregnancy harassment creates a hostile work environment through unwelcome comments, jokes, or actions related to your pregnancy or status as a new mother. Similarly, retaliation for pregnancy is also illegal. This occurs when an employer punishes you for asserting your rights, such as requesting a reasonable accommodation or filing a complaint. If you have faced punitive actions after discussing your pregnancy, you may have a valid pregnancy retaliation claim.

Denial of Leave and Accommodations

Your employer may be required to provide reasonable pregnancy accommodations to allow you to perform your job safely. This could include modified duties, a changed work schedule, or more frequent breaks. Denying these accommodations without a valid reason can be a form of discrimination. Likewise, unfairly denying you legally protected leave for childbirth or related medical conditions is a clear violation of your rights.

We Will Hold Your Employer Accountable

At Corr Downs, we hold employers accountable when they violate the law. An experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyer from our firm will litigate your case in federal or state court and before administrative agencies. We have a strong track record of launching successful pregnancy discrimination lawsuit actions and securing significant pregnancy discrimination compensation for clients who have been victims of discrimination and retaliation.
If your case is successful, you may be entitled to damages to compensate you for your losses.

This can include:

• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the mental and emotional harm caused by the discrimination.
• Back Pay: Wages and benefits you lost due to the unlawful action.
• Front Pay: Compensation for future lost earnings.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded to punish the employer for particularly egregious conduct.
• Attorneys’ Fees and Litigation Costs: Your employer may be required to cover your legal expenses.

Seek Legal Representation Immediately

If you feel you are being treated unfairly at work because of your pregnancy, it is critically important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Strict deadlines apply to filing claims, and acting quickly helps preserve your legal options.

We conduct a free initial assessment of your case to determine if we can provide assistance. We handle most Washington pregnancy discrimination cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees unless we win your case or recover compensation for you.

206.962.5040

Contact Info

Corr|Downs PLLC 100 W. Harrison St., Ste. N440, Seattle, WA 98119

info@corrdowns.com