New Jersey Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers

Securing Compensation For The Rights Of Women Surrounding Pregnancy

Having children is a natural right of every woman, and so it is our responsibility to keep them protected, and to minimize any discomfort that may deter them from exercising this right. The legislatures both at the federal and state level have enacted laws that prohibit discriminatory treatment of pregnant women by employers.

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination  (LAD) Prohibits Pregnancy Discrimination

On January 21, 2014, New Jersey Governor Chris Christi signed a law amending the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination Act (LAD) expressly adding “pregnancy” to the list of protected categories or characteristics. Effective immediately, the Act prohibits discrimination against pregnant women. The law defines pregnancy as “pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, including recovery from childbirth.”

Therefore, the new law takes in to its fold the different states of pregnancy as well as any possibility of complication. Under the new law, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant women in the workplace including assistance with manual labor, periodic rests, bathroom breaks, and modified work schedules. This law provides extended protection for pregnant women in which women can request accommodation “based on the advice of her physician”. However, there is a limitation whereby pregnant women are not extended any more leave than that already provided to them.

Protections Under NJ Law

Apart from protections granted under the new law, pregnant women are protected by other employment laws on both the state and federal levels. For example, it is illegal for an employee to be terminated solely because she is pregnant. A company can also not refuse to recruit or hire women because they may become pregnant, and cannot force a pregnant employee to leave. The employer cannot indulge in any practice that would discourage a pregnant woman from working.

Contact our New Jersey pregnancy discrimination lawyers today

At Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PCour New Jersey employment lawyers are well educated in the federal and NJ labor laws that protect women from pregnancy discrimination. If we prevail in your case you may be entitled to equitable relief, back pay to compensate you for lost earnings, front pay to compensate for a pay differential resulting from the discrimination, injunctive relief to correct your employer’s discriminatory practices, or reinstatement to any position that you.

Call us today at (908) 833-9232 or contact us online.  Your initial consultation is free. You can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.