Maryland Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination in Maryland: Know Your Rights

Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is illegal under federal and Maryland state law. Unfortunately, despite these protections, many pregnant workers still experience discrimination on the job. If you believe you have been discriminated against due to your pregnancy, it's important to understand your rights and seek the guidance of an experienced Maryland pregnancy discrimination attorney at The Law Office of Andrew M. Dansicker.

Do you believe you have experienced discrimination at work for being pregnant? Schedule a consultation with an adept Maryland pregnancy discrimination attorney by calling (410) 213-3392 or submitting an online form.

What is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a woman unfavorably because she is pregnant, has given birth, or has a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. This can include being denied employment, being demoted or fired, being unfairly treated in the workplace, or being denied reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Federal and Maryland State Laws Protect Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Both federal and Maryland state laws protect against pregnancy discrimination. Under federal law, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The PDA also requires employers to treat pregnant employees the same way they would treat other employees who are similarly limited in their ability to work due to a medical condition.

In Maryland, the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) also prohibits pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. The FEPA applies to employers with 15 or more employees and provides protections that are similar to those provided by federal law.

Your Rights as a Pregnant Worker

If you are pregnant and working in Maryland, you have the right to:

• Be free from discrimination based on your pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
• Take leave to give birth, bond with your child, or recover from childbirth under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Maryland Parental Leave Act (PLA)
• Request reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy or childbirth, such as time off for medical appointments, a temporary transfer to a less strenuous job, or the ability to work from home
• Be reinstated to your job when your leave is over, if you have taken leave under the FMLA or PLA

Signs of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

Despite restrictions imposed by employment law, instances of pregnancy discrimination still persist within workplaces. While some cases involve blatant termination shortly after an employee reveals their pregnancy, many instances are more subtle and less apparent. For instance, pregnant employees might be denied accommodations that their employers typically granted to other employees with temporary medical conditions, such as adjustments to work schedules for medical appointments or light-duty assignments for physically demanding roles.

Pregnancy discrimination might apply to your situation if you have faced the following at work:

• Termination due to pregnancy or becoming pregnant
• Job application rejection due to pregnancy or becoming pregnant
• Promotion denial because of pregnancy or becoming pregnant
• Refusal of maternity leave
• Denial of medical coverage for pregnancy
• Withholding medical benefits for pregnancy-related disabilities or conditions
• Reduction in accrued benefits or credits during pregnancy or maternity leave

If you believe that you have been subjected to pregnancy discrimination, seeking legal advice is vital. Contact a knowledgeable Maryland pregnancy discrimination attorney at The Law Office of Andrew M. Dansicker for a private consultation. We provide flexible after-hours and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. With our extensive background representing both employees and employers, we're committed to delivering the thorough support you deserve. Count on our years of expertise to navigate your legal path and provide guidance throughout your journey.

How To Win a Pregnancy Discrimination Case

Proving pregnancy discrimination involves showing that you were treated unfairly due to your pregnancy compared to others in similar roles. The way you prove this varies, but the main goal is to establish that your pregnancy played a role in your employer's actions. Direct evidence and circumstantial evidence may be used.

• Direct Evidence of Pregnancy Discrimination: Direct evidence means that your employer openly admits their bias against pregnant employees. If they specifically mention that your pregnancy influenced their decision, your case becomes stronger. For instance, if they say, "Because of your upcoming maternity leave, we don't think you can handle more responsibilities," this direct admission is strong proof
• Circumstantial Evidence of Pregnancy Discrimination: To show this, you need a collection of facts that strongly imply pregnancy bias in your employer's decisions. Circumstantial evidence often comes from deviations in usual practices or unexplained behavior. Timing, statistics, or how other pregnant employees are treated can also provide convincing evidence.

Timing is often crucial in pregnancy discrimination cases. Unlike permanent traits, pregnancy is temporary. If changes in treatment happen right after disclosing your pregnancy, the timing could strengthen the suspicion of discrimination.

An Example of How To Prove Pregnancy Discrimination At Work

Imagine you're fired just before your due date. Although your pregnancy isn't mentioned, there could be other evidence like:

• Departure from usual termination procedures. If your manager claims it's about performance, but other underperforming colleagues get warnings and chances to improve, this inconsistency hints at discrimination.
• Suspicious timing. If termination occurs right before your pregnancy leave or right after the CEO asks about your post-baby return, this timing might convince a jury of discrimination.
• Weak reasons for firing. If they say you lack financial skills, yet hire someone with similar skills, it looks like a cover for discrimination.
• Treatment of other employees. If no pregnant employee stays employed past their third trimester, it might suggest a pattern of discrimination.

If you're concerned about pregnancy discrimination, reach out to The Law Office of Andrew M. Dansicker for a private consultation with an employment law attorney. With experience representing employees and employers, and offering flexible appointments, we'll guide you through your legal options. Speak with a qualified pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Maryland as soon as possible.

Contact a Maryland Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, it's important to seek the guidance of an experienced Maryland pregnancy discrimination attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence of discrimination, and pursue legal action against your employer if necessary.

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in pregnancy discrimination cases, and we're committed to protecting the rights of pregnant workers throughout Maryland. 

If you're looking for a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland pregnancy discrimination attorney, contact our firm today.