When you’re facing a serious illness, welcoming a new child, or caring for a loved one, the last thing you should have to worry about is being punished at work.
But too many hardworking people in Fall River are afraid to request time off—even when they’re legally entitled to it. If your employer has denied your leave, retaliated against you, or fired you for taking protected time away, it’s time to speak with an experienced FMLA lawyer in Fall River.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we help workers hold employers accountable for violating their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. With over 30 years of combined experience in labor and employment law, we understand how employers try to cut corners—and how retaliation often follows when an employee tries to do the right thing.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing postpartum care, or supporting an aging parent, our Fall River labor and employment lawyer team will fight for your right to take the leave you need without risking your job.
What the Family and Medical Leave Act Covers
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that gives eligible employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year.
That means you can take time away from work without losing your job or your health benefits if you are:
- Caring for a newborn, adopted child, or foster child
- Recovering from a serious medical condition
- Caring for a spouse, parent, or child with a serious medical condition
- Handling certain family matters related to military service
In addition to these protections, the law requires that your position—or an equivalent role—be available to you when you return. Unfortunately, not all employers follow the law. That’s where a qualified FMLA attorney in Fall River can step in.
For a free legal consultation with a family and medical leave act (fmla) lawyer serving Fall River, call (860) 999-9394
Common Ways Employers Violate FMLA Rights
Many workers don’t realize their FMLA rights have been violated until it’s too late. Some employers try to discourage leave requests altogether, while others allow leave but retaliate later. If any of the following situations apply to you, it’s worth speaking with an attorney:
- You were denied leave despite meeting eligibility requirements
- You were demoted, disciplined, or terminated shortly after taking FMLA leave
- You were asked to work during your leave period
- You faced hostility or pressure not to take your leave
- Your job was not available when you returned
Retaliation doesn’t have to be obvious to be illegal. Even small changes to your job responsibilities, hours, or benefits after an approved FMLA leave may count as a violation. If you suspect your employer has crossed the line, we can investigate and take action.
Fall River Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
How Our FMLA Attorneys in Fall River Can Help
At DGP Law Firm, we focus solely on labor and employment law. We know what it takes to prove an FMLA case and how to protect your rights at every step of the process. As your legal team, we will:
- Determine whether you meet FMLA eligibility
- Examine your leave documentation and employer responses
- Gather evidence of retaliation, interference, or wrongful termination
- File a claim or lawsuit and represent you through negotiation or litigation
- Seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more
Massachusetts workers are also protected under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 52D, which upholds many of the same rights as the FMLA. This gives you even more protection if your employer tries to deny your leave or punish you for using it.
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Why Choose DGP Law Firm?
DGP Law Firm has built its reputation on standing up for workers—not big corporations. We are proud to represent Fall River employees in manufacturing, education, transportation, and healthcare industries, as well as those in unionized positions.
We offer a free consultation to every potential client and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Our attorneys have over three decades of combined experience in employment law, and we bring that full knowledge to every case.
We also understand how FMLA violations overlap with other forms of workplace discrimination, including retaliation and wage violations. That broad perspective allows us to build stronger, more comprehensive claims.
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Deadlines for Filing an FMLA Claim
The federal statute of limitations for FMLA claims is typically two years, but can extend to three years if the violation was willful. That means waiting too long could prevent you from taking legal action, even if your case is valid.
Evidence such as emails, internal HR notes, and leave requests can disappear quickly. Talking to a Family and Medical Leave Act attorney in Fall River as soon as possible can make all the difference.
If you’re not sure whether your rights were violated, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We can review your situation and help you decide how to move forward.
Get Legal Help Today
If your employer denied you leave, retaliated against you for taking it, or made your job harder after you returned, we are ready to help. At DGP Law Firm, our mission is to protect workers and hold employers accountable when they violate federal and state law.
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Call today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a trusted FMLA lawyer in Fall River. Let’s make sure your employer is held accountable—and that your future is secure.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form