If you’ve been demoted or fired after taking family leave, you should hire a Boston workplace retaliation lawyer and take legal action against your employer.
Taking time off to care for your health or your family shouldn’t cost you your job. If you’ve been retaliated against for taking protected leave, you’re probably incredibly distressed and worried about your future.
We’ve fought for workers who’ve been punished for doing the right thing for their families and themselves since 2022. We can advise you on what to do if you’ve been demoted or fired after taking family leave and fight for the justice and financial remedies you deserve.
Understanding Your Rights Under FMLA
If you’ve been demoted or fired after taking family leave, it can be helpful to learn about your rights as a worker. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for qualifying reasons, including:
- The birth or adoption of a child
- Caring for a seriously ill spouse, parent, or child
- Recovering from a serious health condition
If you qualify to take FMLA, the law requires your employer to:
- Allow you to take leave without fear of losing your job
- Allow you to work in the same position or an equivalent one when you return from leave
- Continue your health insurance while you are taking leave
If your employer fires you or demotes you for taking family leave or fails to abide by the above-listed FMLA requirements, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney. A skilled lawyer can advise you on your rights and fight to hold your employer accountable for their actions.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Hire an Attorney if You’ve Been Retaliated Against for Taking Family Leave
Another step you should take after getting demoted or fired for taking FMLA is to hire an experienced Boston Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lawyer. A committed attorney can provide a free consultation and guide you through the entirety of the legal process.
Here’s what a lawyer can do to get the remedies you need to move forward after an unlawful firing or demotion:
- Investigate your firing or demotion
- Gather personnel records, employer communications, and other forms of evidence to support your claim
- File a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or another appropriate agency
- Pursue compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you’ve incurred
- Represent you in court and during other legal proceedings
Steps You Should Take After Family Leave Retaliation
If you’ve been fired, demoted, or pushed out from your workplace after taking family leave, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving compensation for the financial losses and inconveniences you’ve been burdened with.
We recommend taking the following steps if you’ve been demoted or fired after taking family leave:
- Document everything: One of the most important steps you can take is to document the events leading up to your demotion or termination. Keep a written timeline of what happened before, during, and after your leave. Save emails, performance reviews, text messages, and anything that sheds light on the unlawful actions taken against you.
- Request a written explanation: You should also ask your employer for a written explanation that details why you were terminated or demoted. Your lawyer can use this document to challenge your employer’s reasoning and show that you were retaliated against.
- Don‘t sign anything: Your employer may ask you to sign a release or severance agreement. It’s important that you don’t sign until an attorney has reviewed it. You could accidentally sign away your right to sue, leaving you with no options for financial recovery.
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Don’t Wait to Get Started on Your Case
One of the worst mistakes you can make after getting demoted or fired after taking family leave is to delay your claim. Waiting too long to hire an attorney and get started on your case could result in evidence going missing. Finding a lawyer soon will allow them to gather all available evidence and make your claim as strong as possible.
In some situations, you may also have a limited amount of time to file a complaint. If you miss an important deadline, you could be forced to go without the damages you need to replace lost wages and move forward with your career. Reach out to a skilled lawyer ASAP to give yourself the best chance possible at receiving fair compensation.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been demoted or fired after taking family leave, you’re probably distraught and unsure how you’ll move forward. Fortunately, the team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard is here to provide the compassionate counsel and skilled advocacy you need to hold your employer accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted workplace retaliation lawyer from our team in Boston. We’ll meet with you to discuss your situation, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you have about your case.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form