The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides employees with job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons. If you or a close family member becomes sick or injured and needs time off from work, you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. An employer cannot retaliate or demote you, or fire you for taking time off. They must also hold your position until you return to work. If you feel you have been refused FMLA rights The Law Office of Jorge Luis Rivas, Jr. can answer any questions you may have.

FMLA leave covers:

• Birth and care of a newborn baby
• Placement for adoption or foster care of a child
• Recovery from a severe illness or injury
• Care for a seriously ill family member (spouse, child, or parent)

How Can an FMLA Lawyer Help Me?

If you have been retaliated against or fired at work because you took time off for a family medical-related reason or your employer has denied your request for time off, a lawyer can help you. An employer cannot deny you time off or punish you for taking care of your family's medical needs. If you had an accident resulting in injury and need time to heal, an employer must honor the FMLA.

An employee returning from FMLA is entitled to:

The same pay before taking time off
The same benefits before taking time off
The same job duties as before; accommodations can be made if the employee is still physically injured.
The same or similar schedule or shift before taking time off