The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives employees the right to take unpaid leave for specific family or medical reasons without the fear of losing their job. However, understanding the intricacies of the law and how it applies to your specific situation can be challenging.
When you have questions about the FMLA, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. A Boston Family and Medical Leave Act lawyer from Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard can explain how the law applies to your situation and ensure that your rights are upheld.
Whether you are an employee who is being denied leave or an employer navigating compliance, having a Boston labor and employment lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Contact us now to schedule your initial consultation.
How the Family Leave Medical Act (FMLA) Works
The Family Medical Leave Act provides important protections for employees in Massachusetts and nationwide.
Under this federal law, businesses with 50 or more employees are required to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the following reasons:
Severe Medical Conditions
The FMLA allows employees to take unpaid leave if they have a severe health condition that requires them to be away from work. Covered conditions include serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or mental health disorders.
Additionally, the Act grants leave to individuals who need time off to care for their child, spouse, or parent with a serious medical condition. This provision recognizes the importance of providing support and assistance to loved ones during difficult times.
Parenthood
The FMLA also accommodates situations related to parenthood. Specifically, employees may take leave when they adopt a child or give birth while protecting their job security.
Military Service
In addition, employees can take time off work if their parent, spouse, or child is on leave from active military duty. This acknowledges the sacrifices made by military families and aims at promoting their well-being.
For a free legal consultation with a family and medical leave act (fmla) lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
How Employers Disregard the Family and Medical Leave Act
Our attorneys have found that some employers violate the provisions laid out by the FMLA despite its clear guidelines. For instance, they may deny an employee’s request for leave without providing proper justification or falsely claim that the employee does not qualify for FMLA protection.
In some cases, employers may even retaliate against employees who exercise their rights under the FMLA by demoting them, cutting their pay, or making their jobs more difficult. Such actions not only undermine the principles of fairness and justice but also contribute to an environment of fear and unease within workplaces.
Another common violation occurs when employers fail to inform their employees about their rights under the FMLA.
Boston Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Asking for FMLA Leave as an Employee
When asking for FMLA leave, it is crucial to understand your rights and what you are entitled to under the law. It is not uncommon for employers to be unaware of the fact that their employees qualify for FMLA leave. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can result in adverse actions and even wrongful termination.
It is important to understand that you do not necessarily need to explicitly state “I need to take FMLA leave” when requesting time off. Instead, you only need to provide enough information about the reasons behind your need for time off so that your employer knows or should know that you may be eligible for FMLA leave.
If you believe your employer should have informed you of your eligibility for unpaid leave but failed to do so, seeking legal advice is advisable. Whatever your situation, a Boston Family and Medical Leave Act lawyer from DGP can explain your legal options and guide you through your next steps.
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Wrongful Denials of FMLA Time
Unfortunately, some people who are qualified for time off under the FMLA find their requests wrongfully denied by their employers.
These denials can have serious consequences, such as not being able to undergo necessary surgery and developing complications as a result. The financial burden of unnecessary medical expenses can also be overwhelming.
Another situation is when an individual is unable to care for a sick loved one due to the denial of FMLA time. In that case, they may have to pay for another caretaker or incur other expenses. An attorney who is well-versed in employment law could help you pursue compensation to recoup the money you lost.
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Consult With an FMLA Lawyer in Boston, MA
Employers must abide by the FMLA and grant family and medical leave when appropriate. When they don’t, they should face consequences for their actions. An employee shouldn’t have to suffer financial losses due to a situation caused by their employer.
Seeking compensation from your employer may be possible, so if this happens to you, you should consult with knowledgeable FMLA attorneys in Boston, MA. A member of our team can explain your legal options and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard now to schedule your initial consultation.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form