Long Island Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

Expert Long Island Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we protect the rights of expectant mothers and growing families throughout New York State, with a focus on Long Island communities. Pregnancy should be a time of joy—not a source of anxiety over unfair treatment at work. From our office on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station, we stand ready to fight for anyone facing pregnancy discrimination. Our team brings deep knowledge of New York employment law and gives each client dedicated, personal attention. If pregnancy has led to unfair treatment at your job, call us today at 516-750-0595 or email intake@jtnylaw.com for a confidential discussion.

Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in New York

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This violation harms fundamental workplace rights and can profoundly affect careers, health, and family stability. Workers on Long Island encounter these issues across the region’s diverse employment landscape, from Melville’s corporate parks to Stony Brook’s medical facilities.

The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, bans discrimination based on pregnancy. Employers with 15 or more employees may not fire, refuse to hire, or mistreat a worker because she is pregnant. The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) goes even further. It covers businesses with four or more employees and forbids discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. This broader coverage matters most for workers at the smaller businesses found throughout Long Island.

The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) adds further protections within the five boroughs, and its principles guide our approach statewide. We also look for connections to personal injury law. For example, an employer may refuse to provide requested accommodations, creating unsafe conditions that cause physical harm. In that case, you may also have a personal injury claim under New York negligence law. Our attorneys handle these overlapping claims well. We draw on state law to build cases that address both workplace discrimination and any related injuries.

Key Laws Protecting Pregnant Workers in New York

New York has enacted a robust framework of laws designed to support families during this important time, reflecting the state’s commitment to workplace fairness and work-life balance. The statutes we most frequently rely on in our practice include:

• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
• The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), which extends protections to businesses with four or more employees and covers a broader range of discriminatory conduct.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy and bonding with a newborn.
• The New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) law, which provides partial wage replacement during leave taken for bonding, caregiving, or military family needs.
• The New York State Paid Sick Leave law, which provides paid time off for prenatal medical appointments and pregnancy-related illness.

These protections are critically important on Long Island, where employees commute to demanding roles across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our Huntington Station office, located near the well-known Walt Whitman Shops, enables us to serve clients from Hempstead to the Hamptons with the local knowledge that only a nearby firm can provide.

Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination can take subtle or overt forms, and victims often feel isolated and uncertain about their options. Drawing on our extensive experience representing workers throughout New York, we see the following patterns regularly.

Denial of reasonable accommodations. Employers refuse to provide lighter duties, modified schedules, or other adjustments for pregnant employees experiencing complications. This not only violates the law but may also jeopardize the employee’s health—potentially giving rise to a personal injury claim under New York law.

Adverse employment actions. A worker is demoted, passed over for a promotion, or terminated shortly after disclosing her pregnancy. These situations arise frequently in industries central to Long Island’s economy, including retail and hospitality.

Pregnancy-related harassment. Coworkers or supervisors make demeaning comments about an employee’s pregnancy that create an intimidating or hostile work environment. Under the NYSHRL, employees may pursue claims when such conduct materially interferes with their ability to perform their jobs.

Retaliation for taking leave. Employers penalize workers for exercising their rights under the FMLA or PFL—for example, by reducing hours or reassigning responsibilities upon their return. New York law expressly prohibits this conduct, and we pursue claims aggressively to restore positions and recover owed compensation.

Hiring discrimination. Applicants are denied employment opportunities because of a visible pregnancy or assumptions about their family plans, in violation of both federal and state law.

In one representative matter, we assisted a Long Island educator who was demoted after requesting maternity leave. By applying New York state law and presenting evidence of disparate treatment, we negotiated a favorable settlement that included compensation for emotional distress—a remedy frequently available in discrimination cases with injury-related dimensions.

How Pregnancy Discrimination Impacts Families

The effects of pregnancy discrimination go well beyond the workplace. They threaten family stability and well-being. Lost wages create financial strain at a time when medical costs are already rising. In severe cases, the stress of discrimination may even cause complications like preterm birth or other health problems. These situations can give rise to injury-related claims against the employer.

Families on Long Island value the region’s beaches, parks, and strong sense of community. Workplace discrimination undermines the foundation of daily life for working families. We understand these challenges firsthand, living and working in the same communities we serve. Our attorneys bring both legal skill and genuine compassion to every matter, helping clients secure the remedies they need to move forward.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C.?

As a focused employment law firm, we provide the close, attentive representation that larger practices often cannot. Jason Tenenbaum has handled pregnancy discrimination cases for years, from administrative filings with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) to contested litigation. We have secured substantial recoveries for our clients, including compensatory awards and penalties for willful violations of New York law.

We build a legal strategy that covers every angle of your case, including where discrimination and personal injury law overlap. If your employer fails to provide required accommodations and you get hurt, we pursue claims under New York negligence or no-fault law to maximize your recovery. From our Huntington Station office, we handle cases for workers across Long Island’s diverse job market—from Garden City corporate offices to Riverhead retail stores.

We believe that justice has the power to change lives. Our clients appreciate our clear communication—we explain complex areas of New York law in accessible terms while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Pregnancy Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, it is important to act promptly. Filing deadlines are strict—for example, EEOC charges in New York must typically be filed within 300 days. We recommend the following steps:

• Document all relevant events, including dates, witnesses, and any written communications.
• Request accommodations or report concerns in writing to create a clear record.
• Consult an attorney as soon as possible. Our firm offers free initial case evaluations.
• File a formal complaint with the EEOC or NYSDHR when appropriate.

Seeking legal counsel is itself a protected activity—New York law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights.

Contact Us for Dedicated Representation

You do not have to face pregnancy discrimination alone. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. advocates for pregnant workers throughout New York, with deep roots in the Long Island community. Our office is located at 326 Walt Whitman Rd, Suite C, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Call 516-750-0595 or email intake@jtnylaw.com today for your free consultation. Let us help you secure the fairness and protection your family deserves.