A Bay Area woman with carpal tunnel syndrome had her workers’ compensation benefits reduced because she was postmenopausal. Her attorney says that’s a clear example of gender discrimination in the handling of workers’ compensation claims. Her attorney also says that the woman isn’t alone. California women seeking and receiving workers’ compensation benefits after workplace injuries can be “penalized” for pregnancies and menopause. In March, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego introduced a bill that will prohibit the reduction or denial of a female employee’s workers’ compensation benefits based on pregnancy, menopause, breast cancer, osteoporosis, or sexual discrimination or harassment.
If you are injured in the workplace or in a work-related accident in the Los Angeles area or elsewhere in southern California – whether you are male or female – or if your benefits have been denied or reduced for a reason related to your age, race, nationality, orientation, or gender – arrange at once to speak with an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney based in Los Angeles. The workers’ compensation system is difficult enough without having to face discrimination. Let an experienced workers’ comp lawyer handle your claim and help you obtain the benefits you need.
Supporters of the proposal introduced by Assemblywoman Gonzalez say the issue of gender bias in the workers’ compensation system is real, despite laws prohibiting gender discrimination. If the proposal becomes law, women could not receive less compensation for back pain, for example, if they suffer a back injury while pregnant, since pregnancy can be a factor in back pain. If you are injured at work in southern California, an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney based in Los Angeles can assess your individual situation, offer sound advice, and guide you through the complicated California workers’ compensation process. If you’ve been injured at your job, don’t wait another day to make the call.