Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Attorney
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal statute that applies to both women and men who need to take time from work for medical or family reasons, including to care for a sick family member, or to handle issues which arise from being pregnant, giving birth, and caring for a newborn. The leave is unpaid, but the FMLA protects your right to return to your job in the event that you qualify. At Hollifield Legal Centre for Women, we represent working women by challenging employers who retaliate against employees for taking leave under the FMLA or who have interfered with a right to take leave.
Most women are the primary caregivers in their families. We will help you protect your rights to care for your family and children while preserving your employment.
To qualify for the FMLA:
- Your employer must have at least 50 employees.
- You must have worked for your current employer for at least 12 months, which do not need to be consecutive months.
- You must have worked 1,250 hours in the 12 months immediately preceding the need for leave.
If you are pregnant or wondering if you qualify under the Family and Medical Leave Act because your parent, child, or spouse is ill, our FMLA lawyer can assist you in explaining your rights. Many claims arise when a worker is denied leave or retaliated against for trying to take leave per the federal statute. There are two claims that can be brought against an employer:
- Retaliation: where an employer reinstates you in a lower position or commits other acts of retaliation, such as denying you benefits or otherwise altering the terms and conditions of your employment
- Interference: where an employer interferes with your right to take leave, which may include a total denial of your rights under the FMLA
Under the FMLA, if you have suffered from retaliation or interference, you are entitled to recover the economic loss you have suffered including lost pay and the value of lost benefits and out-of-pocket expenses. You may be entitled to double that amount if the court or jury finds that the employer willfully retaliated or interfered with your rights. At Hollifield Legal Centre for Women, we defend and protect the rights of women against violating employers. Contact us today for more information regarding your rights to make a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claim.
FMLA and pregnancy
Many women whose employers do not offer maternity leave will be protected by the FMLA. The FMLA gives eligible pregnant women the ability to take time off from work during or after pregnancy. This provides women with the opportunity to give birth and bond with the newborn without the pressure of having to return immediately to work. The FMLA also protects women and men who adopt a child.
Flexible appointments • Free initial consultations • Convenient location just off of Park Avenue and Fairbanks Avenue with close proximity to Interstate 4 |
