The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides essential protections for workers in Fairfield Township who need time off for personal or family health reasons. Whether you need to care for a loved one, recover from an illness, or bond with a new child, FMLA ensures that you can take time off without the risk of losing your job. Understanding your rights under the FMLA is critical for ensuring that your leave is protected.
What Is FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain family or medical reasons. FMLA leave is job-protected, meaning that your employer cannot terminate you for taking the leave. You are also entitled to return to the same or an equivalent position after your leave ends.
Reasons for Taking FMLA Leave
Employees can take FMLA leave for a variety of reasons, including:
- To care for a newborn child or newly adopted child
- To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
- To recover from your own serious health condition that prevents you from performing your job
- For certain situations related to a family member’s military service, such as caring for an injured military spouse
Eligibility for FMLA Leave
To be eligible for FMLA leave, employees must meet the following criteria:
- Have worked for their employer for at least 12 months
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the past 12 months
- Work for an employer with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius
If you meet these criteria, you are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for one of the qualifying reasons listed above.
How to Request FMLA Leave
If you need to take FMLA leave, you must notify your employer in advance. Your employer may require you to submit a medical certification from your healthcare provider to support your request for leave. It’s important to follow your employer’s procedures for requesting leave to ensure that your leave is properly documented and protected under the law.
What to Do if Your FMLA Rights Are Violated
Unfortunately, some employees face retaliation or other violations of their FMLA rights. If your employer denies your FMLA leave, fires you for taking leave, or fails to reinstate you to the same or an equivalent position, you may have a legal claim.
If you believe your rights have been violated, it’s important to consult an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible to explore your legal options.
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Legal Help in Fairfield Township
Protecting Your Rights under the FMLA is crucial to ensuring that you are treated fairly during a time of need. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is dedicated to helping employees in Fairfield Township who are facing FMLA violations. Whether you need assistance filing for FMLA leave or need legal action to protect your rights after a violation, their legal team is ready to help you navigate the process and seek justice.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
If you believe your FMLA rights have been violated or if you need assistance navigating the process, contact Castronovo & McKinney for a consultation. Their experienced attorneys are here to help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
