Deerfield FMLA Leave Wrongful Termination

Employees are awarded certain protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It allows an employee to take unpaid time off from work for family or medical-related reasons with the assurance that their job and benefits are protected. Losing a job under any circumstance is stressful, but it can be especially frustrating if you are wrongfully terminated.

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated while taking FMLA leave or are being accused of wrongfully terminating an employee, contact S.T. Legal Group for a free 30-minute case evaluation. Our team is experienced in Deerfield FMLA leave wrongful termination cases and can assess the circumstances surrounding your employment, leave, and termination. Let a wrongful termination attorney help you pursue a fair resolution.

Employee Leave Rights Under FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that protects employees seeking time off work for specific reasons, ensuring their job and insurance benefits are not at risk.

However, not all employers are bound by FMLA. The following employers must comply with FMLA requirements:

  • Educational employers, such as schools
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Private employers with at least 50 employees working within a 75-mile radius of the worksite

Additionally, workers are only protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act when taking leave for qualifying reasons, which include:

  • The birth of a child, adoption, or foster care placement
  • A personal or family member’s serious illness or health condition
  • Military-related leave, such as a family member deploying or having an emergency

Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks off in one year for general FMLA and up to 26 weeks for military-related reasons. The Deerfield lawyers at S.T. Legal Group understand the complexities of FMLA leave wrongful termination cases and could help you secure a favorable outcome.

Eligibility Requirements for FMLA Leave

Determining whether an employee can pursue legal action after a wrongful termination begins with making sure they are eligible for FMLA leave.

In order to be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have:

  • Worked at least 1,250 hours in the last year
  • Worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months

If you were eligible for FMLA leave, but your employment was terminated in violation of federal law, our team of lawyers could help hold an employer accountable. A covered employer may not deny leave if it was requested for a qualifying reason. Employers are also responsible for holding the employee’s benefits and position while they are on leave.

Wrongful termination in Deerfield occurs when an employer fails to keep an employee’s position (or at least a similar position) open for them upon their return from FMLA leave. It is also illegal for an employer to discriminate or retaliate against an employee for taking FMLA leave.

Speak With a Credible Deerfield Attorney About FMLA Leave Wrongful Termination

If you are dealing with a Deerfield FMLA leave wrongful termination case or are being accused of illegally firing an employee, our team of skilled attorneys at S.T. Legal Group can help. During a free 30-minute case evaluation, we can discuss the details of your case and explain your legal options. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected under the FMLA and can guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to filing a formal claim.

Whether you are an employer facing a false accusation or a former employee seeking a remedy like reinstatement, back pay, or damages, reach out to our team for dedicated legal representation today.