Whether you are a dentist, a dental technician or assistant, dental office receptionist, or a dental office janitor (or another position), you have the right to a workplace that is free of discrimination. If you are a woman, one type of discrimination that you may face in the workplace is pregnancy discrimination. While there are many laws at both the state and federal levels that prevent discrimination on the basis of being pregnant, pregnancy discrimination still occurs. If you have been discriminated against, our lawyers who focus on pregnancy discrimination in dental offices can help. Call our legal team today to learn more.
What is Illegal When it Comes to Pregnancy Discrimination in Dental Offices?
There are a handful of federal laws that exist to prevent against, and protect victims of, pregnancy discrimination. These include:
- Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978;
- The Americans with Disabilities Act; and
- The Family and Medical Leave Act.
There are also state-based discrimination laws.
With so many laws in place, though, it can be difficult to know what is actually illegal when it comes to pregnancy discrimination. Discrimination is illegal when a worker is treated differently based on her pregnancy status alone or is not provided reasonable accommodation that another worker who was managing a temporary disability would receive. Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Telling a pregnant woman that she must continue lifting heavy boxes if she wants to keep working, even though another worker was released from this duty when they hurt their back;
- Firing a woman for becoming pregnant;
- Refusing to promote a pregnant woman;
- Refusing to allow a pregnant woman to take entitled leave for doctor’s appointments, doctor-ordered bed rest, or maternity leave;
- Refusing to hire a woman for having kids or for currently being pregnant; and
- Harassing a pregnant woman.
Not all actions are discriminatory in nature, but many are. If you are unsure as to whether or not your rights are being violated, speak to an experienced attorney who can review your case free of charge.
Should I Bring a Discrimination Complaint for Pregnancy Discrimination in a Dental Office?
Before you bring forth a discrimination complaint for pregnancy discrimination in a dental office, consult with an attorney. If discrimination is occurring or did occur and you suffered harm, a successful discrimination complaint could result in remedies, including front pay, back pay, reinstatement to your original position, a promotion (that you were wrongfully denied), compensatory damages, and even punitive damages in some cases.
Call Our Attorneys for Help with Pregnancy Discrimination in a Dental Office
If you are experiencing pregnancy discrimination in a dental office, your rights are being breached and you have options. At the law office of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., our lawyers have years of experience working on pregnancy discrimination claims and can provide you with the level of representation and advocacy you deserve. To learn more about what to do if you are being discriminated against based on pregnancy within a dental office, please call our New Jersey law firm today or send us a message for a free consultation.