Pregnancy discrimination happens more than you might expect. The EEOC has even reported that pregnancy discrimination cases show some of the most overt and obvious discrimination of any type of case. Both California law and federal law provide protections for employees who may be facing pregnancy discrimination.
If you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, contact our Oxnard discrimination attorneys at Gutierrez Law Firm today. This can be a very emotional time, and we will be right there with you every step of the way to help ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Meet The Attorney
Deborah Gutierrez is a passionate and determined advocate for justice, committed to fighting for employees who have been treated unfairly in the workplace. Throughout her career, Ms. Gutierrez has focused on holding employers and corporations accountable, securing meaningful compensation for her clients, and standing up against unlawful workplace practices.
Deborah takes the time to understand each client’s unique situation, guiding them through difficult times with compassion and care. She is dedicated to empowering her clients to assert their rights and seek the justice they deserve. Ms. Gutierrez applies her knowledge, skill, and dedication to every stage of the legal process to ensure her clients receive strong and effective representation.
Her practice focuses on representing employees in cases involving sexual harassment, race discrimination, disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and whistleblower claims. Deborah is passionate about her work because she knows that standing up for employees can change lives.
If you have been subjected to harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination, contact our experienced Oxnard employment lawyer today to discuss your legal rights and options.
Ms. Gutierrez earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from New England Law | Boston. The Gutierrez Law Firm handles cases in both state and federal courts and has successfully managed writs and appeals, including cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Deborah is also a native Spanish speaker, allowing her to serve Spanish-speaking clients with care and understanding.
Why Choose Gutierrez Law?
No one should have to face pregnancy discrimination in the Oxnard workplace, and we are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Not only is pregnancy discrimination unfair, but it is also illegal. The founding attorney, Deborah Gutierrez, at Gutierrez Law Firm has dedicated her entire career to helping protect the rights of employees in the workplace. She has helped hundreds of other clients in similar situations, and she is ready to help you too.
We understand that this is a difficult time, and you should know that you do not have to go through it alone. The caring team at Gutierrez Law Firm will take the time to get to know you so that we can help tell your story. Give us a call today to let us get started putting our experience to work for you.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in Oxnard?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when a woman is treated differently or unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. The EEOC definition of pregnancy discrimination also includes treating someone differently because of a pregnancy-related mental or physical disability. Some examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace include:
- Asking a woman during an interview whether she is pregnant and telling her to return after she has given birth
- Not promoting a woman because she is pregnant
- Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to a pregnant woman
- Harassing a woman at work because she is pregnant, this can include sexual harassment
In addition to the federal rules, California has several state-specific laws that cover pregnancy discrimination. One of the most prevalent is the Fair Employment and Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against an employee for becoming pregnant or for requesting to take leave associated with pregnancy.
If you have experienced any form of pregnancy discrimination, contact our Oxnard employment law attorneys today.
What To Do If You Are Facing Pregnancy Discrimination in Oxnard
If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, you should keep detailed notes and documentation of all instances. Also, keep contact information of any potential witnesses who may have seen or heard the discrimination take place.
You have a limited amount of time to file an action with the EEOC or California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Contact our experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Oxnard to help you through the process and ensure you do not miss the deadline.
How To Prove Pregnancy Discrimination in Oxnard
Pregnancy discrimination can be difficult to prove, especially when the behavior feels subtle or is hidden behind company policy. That is why it is so important to build your case with clear, detailed evidence that shows what really happened. Courts typically look at two major areas when deciding whether discrimination occurred, and both can make a big difference in how your case moves forward.
Employer Conduct and Communication Patterns
Sometimes the most telling signs of pregnancy discrimination show up in how your job changes once you tell your employer you are pregnant. That might look like a shift in your schedule, getting fewer responsibilities, or suddenly being written up for things that were never a problem before.
If your requests for accommodations were denied without explanation, or if the tone of meetings and reviews changed, that can say a lot. These changes may not always be direct, but they often show a pattern of treating pregnancy as a burden rather than respecting your rights.
Witness Testimony and Comparators
Coworkers, supervisors, and even HR professionals may have seen or heard things that support your claim. Maybe someone witnessed a manager making unfair comments or saw how your work was reassigned after you shared your news. Even small details can matter.
Testimony from people who were around you during that time helps add credibility to your story. If someone else saw what you experienced, you should not feel like you have to prove it all on your own.
What Evidence Can Support a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?
Pregnancy discrimination is not always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it shows up in quiet ways that leave you second-guessing yourself. You may have felt like something changed after sharing your pregnancy news, but could not quite put your finger on what. That is exactly why evidence matters. When we put the pieces together, it often becomes clear that the shift was not just in your head.
Below are some of the things we look for to help show a pattern of unfair treatment at work:
- Internal HR complaints
- Accommodation denial emails
- Doctor’s notes related to pregnancy
- Schedule reductions after pregnancy disclosure
- Performance reviews before or after pregnancy
- Maternity leave paperwork
- Texts referencing pregnancy
- Coworker witness statements
- Job postings showing the position was filled after termination
- Payroll records showing demotion or pay cuts
- Harassment reports
- Interview notes or hiring rejections mentioning pregnancy
- Policy changes impacting only pregnant employees
What Are the Potential Outcomes of My Pregnancy Discrimination Case?
If your pregnancy discrimination case is successful, there are several ways your employer may be required to make things right. You may be entitled to financial compensation such as back pay, bonuses you lost, or even compensation for the emotional distress you experienced.
Some cases lead to reinstatement, a promotion, or adjustments to your personnel file. Others may settle quietly without going to trial, while some move forward through court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pregnancy Discrimination Case in California?
California has specific time limits that affect your ability to file a pregnancy discrimination claim. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations, and they matter more than most people realize.
You usually have up to three years from the date of the last discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, based on California Government Code § 12960(e). If you wait too long, you may lose your right to take legal action altogether, even if you have a strong case.
Areas Our Oxnard Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers Serve
Our Oxnard pregnancy discrimination attorneys proudly serve the following neighborhoods in Ventura County:
Camarillo | Fillmore | Moorpark | Ojai | Oxnard | Port Hueneme | Santa Paula | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks | Ventura | Bardsdale | Bell Canyon | Buckhorn | Casa Conejo | Casitas Springs | Channel Islands Beach | Dulah | Faria | La Conchita | Lake Sherwood | Lockwood Valley | Meiners Oaks | Mira Monte | Mussel Shoals | Newbury Park | Oak Park | Oak View | Ortonville | Piru | Santa Rosa Valley | Santa Susana | Silver Strand Beach | Saticoy | Solromar | Somis | Wheeler Springs
Testimonials
“Deborah remained persistent and calm, which ultimately paid off in my favor.”
“Ms. Gutierrez handled my case with diligence, patience and fought for what I was owed. Despite the other party’s attempts at non-payment, weak payment plans and lapse in communication, Deborah remained persistent and calm, which ultimately paid off in my favor. I would whole heartedly recommend her services.”
-A. Noaman
“Thank you for giving me hope. Hope to believe that good people win too.”
Thank you so much for your hard work. I thank God for finding you, I truly believe he put you on my way because you were the best warrior to fight for me. Thank you so much for believing in me since day 1. It’s been so heavy on the mind and on the heart, but I you did everything possible to be my voice and have me be heard. It’s so hard to overcome something like this, I’m still working on finding myself, being comfortable with myself, and healing my soul. I’ll never thank you enough for all you’re doing. Thank you for giving me hope. Hope to believe that good people win too.
-Maria M.
Case Results
Sexual Harassment and Wrongful Termination Case
Recovered $2,000,000 for a client in a sexual harassment and wrongful termination case.
Disability Discrimination and Wrongful Termination Case
Secured $1,250,000 for a client wrongfully terminated due to disability discrimination.
Harassment and Discrimination Case
Obtained $1,000,000 for a client subjected to workplace harassment and discrimination.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Oxnard Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today
If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, you need an experienced Oxnard pregnancy discrimination attorney who knows how to prove and win these cases. The team at Gutierrez Law Firm has the experience you need on your side. Give us a call today at (213) 460-8380 for a free consultation and let us get started protecting your rights.