Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Des Moines

An employer may not discriminate against you based on your pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions. Under Iowa law, an employer must provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave to care for yourself before your baby is born and to care for yourself and your baby once your baby is born. An employer may not treat you differently from other employees because you are pregnant. If you have problems with your pregnancy that make you unable to work, an employer may not treat you any differently than it would treat any other temporarily disabled employee.

Pregnancy discrimination not only undermines your rights but can also impact your career and financial stability. Our employment law legal team at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. is dedicated to defending your rights and ensuring that every employer abides by the legal standards. Employers are required by federal and Iowa state laws to provide reasonable accommodations for expectant mothers, which can include modified tasks, alternative assignments, and disability leave if necessary. This ensures that any health needs surrounding your pregnancy are addressed without prejudice.

Stand up for your rights with a trusted pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Des Moines. Contact us or call (515) 497-9409 for a confidential consultation.

What Are Some Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination?

• Your Hours Are Cut: Your hours are cut because you asked for time off to attend routine prenatal doctor’s appointments
• Unjust Termination: You are fired when you return from maternity leave because your employer says it needed someone to fill your job while you were gone and could not wait for your return
• Disparate Treatment: Your boss treats you differently after learning of your pregnancy, such as making you do all of the undesirable tasks
• Refusal to Hire: A prospective employer refusing to hire you because you tell them that you are pregnant, or they can tell you are pregnant

Pregnancy discrimination manifests in diverse, sometimes subtle ways, yet its consequences are broad and often detrimental to you and your future. Recognizing and challenging these instances can empower not only yourself but also other current and future employees, fostering more equitable workplace environments. Our team remains committed to thoroughly understanding your situation and providing the needed legal support.

Some companies also have FMLA leave, which would entitle you to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

Pregnancy Discrimination Laws in Iowa: What You Need to Know

Iowa has specific regulations that protect expectant mothers in the workplace. As an individual navigating these concerns, it is critical to understand both federal and state protections. Under the Iowa Civil Rights Act and federal laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, it is illegal for employers to discriminate based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. Employers must provide the same accommodations to pregnant employees as they would to employees with temporary medical disabilities. This includes allowing time for pregnancy-related medical appointments and offering flexible work conditions where necessary.

At Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C., we advocate for employees facing these issues, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded by both federal and state mandates. If denied these accommodations, employees can seek justice through legal action, where our dedicated team is prepared to support and guide them through the relevant processes. Understanding your rights with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Des Moines is the first step toward taking a stand against discrimination.

Seek experienced assistance from a qualified pregnancy discrimination lawyer. Call (515) 497-9409 or contact us right away to secure your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Prove Pregnancy Discrimination?

Proving pregnancy discrimination requires collecting evidence that demonstrates unfavorable treatment directly linked to your pregnancy. Documentation is crucial; keep records of any discriminatory comments, actions, or changes in treatment from your employer. If possible, gather witness statements from coworkers who might have observed discriminatory behavior. Additionally, maintain all correspondence with your employer, including emails or memos, that reference changes to your job during the pregnancy period. Timing is critical; if adverse actions, such as termination or demotion, occur shortly after pregnancy disclosure, this can support your claims. Consulting with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. can further solidify your approach, as they will aid in constructing a comprehensive picture of discrimination. We can assist in navigating employment laws applicable in Des Moines and craft a legal strategy to protect your rights.

What Accommodations Should Employers Provide?

Employers are obligated to offer reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, mirroring those provided to employees experiencing any temporary disability. These accommodations can include modified working hours, tasks, or environments, as well as additional breaks or the provision of a temporary, less physically demanding role. Ensuring safe and accessible workspaces during pregnancy—a point emphasized by the Iowa Civil Rights Act—is vital. Effective communication with your employer about your needs can foster collaboration. If an employer fails to make these reasonable accommodations or retaliates against these requests, it would constitute discrimination. Consulting with pregnancy discrimination attorneys at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. can help you understand these rights and navigate your next steps smoothly.

Is My Job Protected During Maternity Leave?

Maternity leave is a crucial period, safeguarded by both the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Iowa state law. Under FMLA, employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical-related absences, including childbirth and recovery. Critically, your role or an equivalent position must be available upon your return. Any variation from this could be perceived as discrimination or wrongful termination. Iowa law further mandates additional rights beyond the federal level, providing broader protective scopes under certain conditions. Our attorneys at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. are equipped to help ensure that your rights during maternity leave are honored and that appropriate action is taken if violations occur.

What If My Employer Retaliates Against My Complaint?

Retaliation following a discrimination complaint is prohibited under both state and federal law. Such retaliation might include demotion, decreased hours or wages, or unwarranted disciplinary actions directly linked to your complaint. Documentation plays a crucial role in fortifying any retaliation claims; maintain records of all exchanges and any workplace changes following your complaint. Establishing a timeline of these events can significantly contribute to substantiating your claim. Upon consulting with the legal team at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C., we will thoroughly assess your situation and develop a strategy to address and rectify any retaliation concerns. Remember, standing up against discrimination is your right, and you are protected from any ensuing retaliatory actions.

How Do I Start a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?

Beginning a pregnancy discrimination claim involves taking methodical steps under legal guidance. Initially, it is important to collect and document evidence supporting your claims, such as communications and proof of differential treatment. Filing a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can be the next step, which can eventually lead to mediation or litigation. Consulting with a seasoned pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Des Moines at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. is paramount. Our legal team will assist with navigating these processes, ensuring that your experiences are comprehensively presented. Our mission is to provide dedicated advocacy, making sure your rights are fully protected throughout the legal proceedings.

All information on our website is meant to be generally informative. To find out whether you may have a case, you should consult an employment or discrimination attorney of your choice.

You are protected against pregnancy discrimination. Contact us! A pregnancy discirmination lawyer at our firm can help.