Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Columbus

Pregnancy should be an exciting time for you and your family, not stressful due to being treated unfairly at work. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination remains a significant issue, affecting employees who are entitled to work without fear of bias or mistreatment. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of pregnant individuals in the workplace. If you have faced workplace mistreatment, our pregnancy discrimination attorneys in Columbus are here to advocate for you.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer takes unfavorable actions against an employee because of their pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Such actions might include denying a pregnant employee a promotion, forcing them to take unpaid leave unnecessarily or even terminating their employment. 

Under federal and Ohio law, these behaviors are illegal. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against individuals based on pregnancy. Ohio law extends additional protections, even for those working for smaller employers with four or more employees, so that pregnant workers are treated fairly. 

Forms of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination can present itself in various ways, including but not limited to: 

• Refusal to Hire: Employers declining to hire someone solely because they are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition. 
• Unequal Treatment: Providing unequal pay, reduced benefits or blocking opportunities for advancement. 
• Forcing Leave: Requiring an employee to take leave before it is medically necessary. 
• Job Restrictions: Failing to offer reasonable accommodations, such as adjustments to job duties or light-duty assignments when required. 
• Dismissal or Discipline: Wrongfully terminating or penalizing an employee for pregnancy-related absences or conditions. 

These actions not only create undue stress but also violate the rights of pregnant workers. 

Rights of Pregnant Employees

Pregnant employees are granted robust protections under the law. The PDA ensures these individuals are treated the same as any other employee with a temporary disability. Employers must offer reasonable accommodations like lighter duties or modified tasks when necessary. 

Additionally, employees may be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows qualifying workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for their newborn or recover from childbirth. Employees in Ohio also benefit from state laws that forbid unfair treatment due to pregnancy, ensuring their workplace supports them through this critical time. 

How Our Attorneys Can Help

If you have been discriminated against due to pregnancy, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The experienced attorneys at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC can guide you through every step of the process, including: 

1. Understanding Your Legal Options: We’ll explain the rights afforded to you under federal and state law. 
2. Preparing Your Case: We’ll gather evidence, such as employment records and witness statements, to build a strong case. 
3. Filing Claims: Whether it’s filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), we’ll handle the documentation and procedures. 
4. Pursuing Justice: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court, seeking compensation for lost wages, benefits and other damages. 

With over 50 years of combined legal experience in employment law, we know how to level the playing field and fight for the resolution you deserve. 

Contact Our Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys in Columbus Today

No one should have to endure unfair treatment for choosing to grow their family. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully treated at work due to pregnancy, Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC is here to help. Our dedicated team will provide personalized legal advice, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.  Contact our pregnancy discrimination attorneys in Columbus. We are here to take the stress out of your legal process and fight for your best possible outcome.