Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in Rochester, NY 

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when your employer treats you unfairly because you're pregnant or dealing with pregnancy-related medical conditions. It's not always the big, obvious stuff, like getting fired. Sometimes it's more subtle: your hours get cut back, you're passed over for a promotion, or suddenly you're deemed not "fit" for a role you've excelled in for years. Sound familiar? 

It's so important to have a trusted Rochester pregnancy discrimination lawyer on your side. As one of the best law firms in America, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Real Stories, Real Impact: The Pregnancy Discrimination Cases We Handle 

Discrimination can take many forms, but the pain it causes is always very real. Here are just a few ways employers cross the line: 

• Refusing simple accommodations: Perhaps you asked for lighter duties or a break schedule to accommodate your prenatal care, but your boss denied it—even though it wouldn’t disrupt anything. 
• Creating a hostile work environment: Snide comments about your pregnancy, unfair criticism, or isolating you from meetings can make you dread going to work every day. 
• Firing or pushing you out: Some employers outright fire pregnant workers or make conditions unbearable so you feel forced to quit. 

These are just a few examples of pregnancy discrimination. Some employers might push you to take unpaid leave sooner than you'd prefer or spread false information about your ability to handle projects. It’s exhausting, demoralizing, and completely unacceptable. 

That’s why we treat every case with the seriousness it deserves. 

What Does Pregnancy Discrimination Look Like in Rochester? It’s Closer Than You Think 

Whether you work for one of Rochester’s tech companies, a retail store at Eastview Mall, or a busy restaurant near Park Avenue, the law requires your employer to treat you fairly. That means no discrimination because of your pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical condition. 

Sometimes, discrimination isn’t overt. Your boss might not outright say, "I’m firing you because you’re pregnant." Instead, they might cut your hours, assign impossible tasks, or remove you from key projects. These actions are devastating, leaving you undervalued and uncertain about your future. 

Other times, it’s more direct. A manager might question your dedication or insist you take time off when you’d prefer to keep working. In extreme cases, they might even say your pregnancy is a problem for the company. In both scenarios, your rights are being violated, and something must be done. 

Rochester Employers Must Accommodate Pregnant Workers—Here’s What That Means for You 

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you can’t work. It just means you might need extra support to stay healthy and do your job safely. In Rochester, employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations, including: 

• Lighter duties: For example, if you can’t lift heavy objects, your employer should assign you other tasks. 
• Flexible scheduling for doctor’s appointments: Prenatal care is vital, and your employer cannot make it impossible for you to attend. 
• Temporary adjustments in your position: If standing for long periods is difficult, you can request a sitting position or more frequent breaks. 

Reasonable accommodations are supposed to protect your health and safety without causing undue hardship for the employer. Unfortunately, too many employers treat even modest requests as unreasonable. When this happens, don’t back down. 

Know Your Rights: What the Pregnancy Discrimination Act Means for You 

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is your protection against unfair treatment. It ensures you’re treated like anyone else with a temporary medical condition. Here’s what it covers: 

• You can keep working as long as you're able: Your boss can’t force you to stop unless you say you’re unable to continue. 
• You have the right to accommodations: Need a different chair, extra breaks, or adjusted duties? The PDA supports those requests. 
• You’re entitled to leave for childbirth and recovery: Your employer cannot fire you for taking time to recover after childbirth. 

Having a knowledgeable pregnancy discrimination lawyer ensures these rights are enforced. A lawyer can also guide you through additional protections available under state laws. 

New York’s Laws Go Further: Protecting Pregnant Workers Across the State 

New York offers stronger protections than federal laws through measures like the New York Human Rights Law and the New York Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. These laws ensure: 

• Pregnant workers can request accommodations without fear of retaliation. 
• Employers cannot push workers into unpaid leave unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

If you need temporary reassignment during a complicated pregnancy, these state laws strengthen your ability to request it. Employers must take these requests seriously, providing solutions that prioritize your health and safety. 

Find the Red Flags: Does Your Employer Break the Rules? 

Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s hidden in small actions or excuses. Watch for these red flags: 

• “You’re just not meeting expectations anymore”: Sudden negative performance reviews without valid reasons could be tied to your pregnancy. 
• “We can’t make those changes”: Refusing reasonable accommodations is a major violation. 
• “We don’t think you’re ready for a promotion”: Being passed over after announcing your pregnancy could signal bias. 
• Isolation or hostility: Being excluded from meetings or receiving unequal treatment often points to discrimination. 

If you notice these red flags, document everything and seek help immediately. 

Facing Pregnancy Discrimination? Here’s What You Can Do Right Now 

You don’t have to stay silent. Here’s how to start standing up for yourself: 

• Educate yourself: Learn about your rights under federal and state laws. 
• Speak up—on paper: Communicate your needs in writing. Written requests create a clear record of your efforts. 
• Talk to a lawyer: A legal expert can guide your next steps, whether filing a complaint or exploring other options. 

Standing up for yourself may feel daunting, but it’s the first step toward reclaiming control of your life. 

You Are Not Alone: Collaborate with an Expert Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to face workplace discrimination. Our experienced pregnancy discrimination lawyers are here to fight for your rights. We’re committed to helping you achieve justice.  

 Call today for your FREE consultation to get started on your case.