Legal Question in Disability Law in Georgia

Fired after being asked if pregnant

The Asst. Manager asked me ''because people were talking'' if I was pregnant. I informed her that she was not allowed to ask me this. She replied that it was for my safety. I answered yes, she also asked when I was due, what was I having. I went on break. When I returned, the manager said that we needed to talk about ''my condition'' and that ''I should have told her.'' Before clocking out, Manager asked me if I could lift 40 lbs, stated that she couldn't give special treatment to me (it wouldn't be fair to other employees) if I got hurt, it would be my fault, not theirs, she's ''gonna have to let me go''. Ironically, this corporation works for helping people w/handicaps & who are developmentally disabled. BTW-never asked for special accomodations, but Asst. became ''suspicious'' when I gave her a ''look'' when she aasked me to help her move a 4.5 ft tall box, weighing approx. 75 lbs.


Asked on 12/18/07, 9:22 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jeff Kent Kent & Merritt, P.A.

Re: Fired after being asked if pregnant

Mr. Jackson is correct that it is illegal to terminate someone because of their pregnancy if they can still do the job. Were there any other warnings, write-ups or other problems that may have led to this termination? If not, and if your employer has at least 15 employees, you may very well have a claim for discrimination. If you are in Georgia, you have 180 days in which to file an EEOC charge. Sometimes clients hire attorneys at this stage and sometimes they do not. It may be worth it to contact an attorney for a free consultation to decide which way to go.

Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

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Answered on 12/18/07, 2:43 pm
John Jackson Law Office of John A. Jackson, P.C.

Re: Fired after being asked if pregnant

You should not have been fired for being pregnant. Your first step is to contact the EEOC and file what is called a charge. The EEOC will then attempt to mediate a settelment between you and the company. If you would like some help on this contact me office and I may be able to work with you on a contingent fee basis.

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Answered on 12/18/07, 10:02 am


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