Most people do not expect a medical emergency or sudden family crisis to cost them their job. But in workplaces across Springfield, employees are still punished for taking the time off they are legally allowed to use. Some are denied leave altogether. Others return to work only to be demoted, disciplined, or even fired.
If this sounds familiar, it may be time to talk with a Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lawyer in Springfield about your rights. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard (DGP Law Firm), we focus on helping workers who have been mistreated after requesting or using protected leave.
Our firm brings a long history of fighting for employee rights, and we’re proud to serve union and non-union workers throughout western Massachusetts. If you’re searching for a reliable Springfield labor and employment lawyer to handle your workplace leave case, we’re ready to advocate for you with strength and experience.
What the Family and Medical Leave Act Does
The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that allows qualified employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave every year for personal or family medical reasons. According to 29 U.S. Code § 2612, you may be eligible if you:
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months
- Work for an employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius
- Need time off due to a serious personal health condition
- Are caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious condition
- Are welcoming a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care
- Are supporting a family member on active military duty
When used properly, FMLA leave ensures your job is safe while you handle health or family needs. But too often, employers act like they are above the law.
For a free legal consultation with a family and medical leave act (fmla) lawyer serving Springfield, call (860) 999-9394
How a Family and Medical Leave Act Attorney Can Help
If your employer has discouraged you from using your leave, failed to explain your rights, or punished you for taking time off, you may have a valid legal claim. Our Family and Medical Leave Act attorneys understand the pressure employees face when trying to navigate workplace policies, especially when those policies are designed to intimidate or confuse.
When you hire DGP Law Firm, our employment lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating your situation and identifying any FMLA violations
- Gathering evidence from timecards, HR records, and emails
- Filing complaints with the Department of Labor or in court
- Negotiating compensation for lost wages or emotional distress
- Demanding reinstatement or favorable job reassignments when possible
You don’t have to face a large employer alone. With us on your side, you’ll have experienced advocates who know how to fight workplace injustice.
Springfield Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Signs That You Need an FMLA Attorney in Springfield
Many violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act are subtle at first. You may not notice the retaliation right away, or your employer may try to frame their actions as “business decisions.” That’s why speaking with an FMLA attorney in Springfield is often the best way to protect your rights.
Some signs that your employer has violated FMLA include:
- Denial of valid leave requests without a clear reason
- Failure to provide FMLA paperwork or guidance
- Negative treatment after requesting leave
- Sudden job changes upon returning to work
- Termination that follows or overlaps with FMLA leave
These are not just internal policy issues. They are potential legal violations, and you may be entitled to financial and professional remedies.
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Why Springfield Workers Choose DGP Law Firm
At DGP, we know how difficult it can be to speak up against your employer. That’s why we keep our focus on protecting workers and giving them a voice. Our team includes attorneys who have spent their careers working on behalf of employees—not corporations.
Here’s why clients across Springfield choose us:
- We offer free consultations, so you risk nothing by learning your options
- Our attorneys work on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we recover for you
- We’ve helped workers recover millions of dollars in compensation
- We understand the unique challenges union members and professionals face
- We bring a deep commitment to fairness, access, and accountability
Whether you’re a shift worker in retail or a healthcare professional on a demanding schedule, our firm is here to stand by you.
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The Legal Process: What to Expect
Once you contact our office, we’ll begin with a confidential consultation where you can explain your experience and concerns. If we determine your employer violated your FMLA rights, we’ll begin building a case tailored to your needs.
This process may include:
- Requesting records from your employer or healthcare provider
- Documenting the retaliation or denial
- Filing a formal complaint through the Department of Labor or a state agency
- Exploring a settlement or filing a civil lawsuit
- Representing you in court if necessary
No matter where the case leads, you’ll stay informed and involved at every step.
Who We Represent
We proudly represent a wide range of workers across industries. This includes:
- Union electricians and plumbers whose contracts allow for leave
- Corporate employees in high-demand roles
- Nurses, EMTs, and healthcare staff handling family emergencies
- Public-sector workers balancing job demands with caregiving
- Retail and hospitality workers managing chronic health issues
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, we encourage you to reach out. Our Family and Medical Leave Act lawyer will help clarify your rights based on your work history, employer size, and leave circumstances.
Talk to a Springfield FMLA Lawyer Today
Time off for medical or family needs should never lead to job loss, discrimination, or punishment. If you’ve been mistreated for taking leave, call DGP Law Firm to speak with an experienced FMLA lawyer in Springfield.
We’ve helped employees across Massachusetts protect their jobs, recover damages, and hold employers accountable. With over 35 years of combined experience in employment law, we know how to pursue justice—and win.
Your consultation is 100% free, and we don’t charge anything unless we recover on your behalf. Let’s work together to defend your rights and build a better future. Call us today or schedule your free consultation online. Justice at work starts with you.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form