Can I File a Lawsuit for Pregnancy Discrimination?

From a Discrimination Attorney in Columbus, OH: Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuits

Identifying Unlawful Employment Practices

Ohio employers must follow the guidelines set by the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Ohio Civil Rights Act. Both laws prohibit discrimination in hiring, promotions, job assignments, training, termination, and other employment decisions based on pregnancy. If your employer denies you a promotion, cuts your hours, or terminates you soon after learning of your pregnancy, you may have a valid claim. Employers must treat pregnancy-related conditions the same way they treat other temporary medical conditions. 

Proving Discrimination in the Workplace

You need to gather clear evidence that your employer’s actions were motivated by your pregnancy or related condition. Documentation can include emails, text messages, performance reviews, and witness testimony that shows a pattern of discriminatory behavior. 

You may also need to compare how your employer treated similarly situated employees who were not pregnant. If your employer applied workplace policies inconsistently or penalized you in ways that others were not, those facts can strengthen your case. Showing that your employer has a history of workplace discrimination makes your claim all the more credible. 

Filing an Administrative Charge Before a Lawsuit

Before filing a lawsuit for pregnancy discrimination in Ohio, you must submit a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). Federal law states that you must file this charge within 150 days of the discriminatory act. That being said, this deadline can be extended to 300 days in states that have additional provisions for workplace discrimination. Since Ohio has its own state protections for victims of workplace discrimination, residents in Ohio qualify for a longer deadline. 

After the agency investigates, it may issue a Notice of Right to Sue. You can then file a lawsuit in state or federal court. You must act within the deadlines, or you may lose your right to pursue legal action. A legal representative will help you ensure you meet each deadline without any unnecessary delays. 

Seeking Compensation and Legal Remedies

If you succeed in your pregnancy discrimination claim, you can recover a variety of remedies. Courts may award you back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages in certain cases. 

You have the right to a workplace free from discrimination. When employers violate that right, legal tools are available to hold them accountable. Schedule a consultation with us today at Nilges Draher Law in one of our locations in North Canton, Cleveland, and Columbus, OH, if you suspect pregnancy discrimination. We encourage you to act quickly to protect your rights and explore all your legal options.

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