Life doesn’t pause for work. Whether you’re welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a family member, there are times when you simply need to step away from your job. That’s where the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) comes in. If you’re employed in Fairfield Township and need time off for qualifying medical or family reasons, you may be entitled to job-protected leave under federal law.
What Is the Family and Medical Leave Act?
The FMLA is a federal law that entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons. These include:
- The birth or adoption of a child
- Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
- Your own serious health condition that prevents you from working
- Certain military-related family needs
During this leave, your employer must maintain your group health insurance and return you to your same or an equivalent position when you return.
FMLA Eligibility Requirements
Not all employees automatically qualify for FMLA leave. You must meet the following criteria:
- You’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutive)
- You’ve worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months
- Your employer has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius
If you meet these qualifications and your leave request is denied or you face retaliation for taking leave, you may have a legal claim.
Common FMLA Violations
Unfortunately, some employers attempt to discourage or interfere with employees who exercise their FMLA rights. Violations include:
- Refusing a legitimate leave request
- Demanding that you return early
- Terminating or demoting you during or after FMLA leave
- Counting FMLA leave against attendance or performance metrics
If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s critical to speak with an employment attorney immediately.
Protecting Your Job and Your Health
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys help employees in Fairfield Township understand and assert their FMLA rights. Whether you’re planning to request leave or have already been denied or penalized, their experienced legal team will advocate for your protection and work to secure any compensation or job reinstatement you may be owed.
With the right representation, you don’t have to choose between your job and your health—or your family’s well-being.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
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
