Balancing work and personal life is challenging, especially during significant life events such as the birth of a child, a family medical emergency, or personal health issues. Laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) ensure employees can take necessary time off without risking their jobs.

Employment lawyers, like the experienced team at
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys,
provide essential advocacy to help employees understand and assert their family leave rights.

What is the Family and Medical Leave Act?

The FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as:

  • The birth or adoption of a child
  • Caring for a spouse, parent, or child with a serious health condition
  • Recovering from a personal serious health condition
  • Addressing urgent needs related to a family member’s military service

The NJFLA provides additional protections, allowing up to 12 weeks of leave for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.

Common Violations of Family Leave Rights

Employers sometimes fail to comply with family leave laws, leading to violations such as:

  • Denying eligible employees the right to take leave
  • Retaliating against employees for requesting or taking leave
  • Failing to reinstate employees to their original or equivalent position
  • Misclassifying employees to avoid providing leave benefits

Such actions are illegal and can have a lasting impact on employees’ lives.

How Employment Lawyers Help

Employment lawyers play a crucial role in protecting family leave rights. Their services include:

  • Determining eligibility for leave under the FMLA, NJFLA, or similar laws
  • Filing complaints with regulatory agencies like the Department of Labor
  • Pursuing compensation for lost wages, benefits, or emotional distress
  • Advocating for policy changes within organizations to prevent future violations

With legal representation, employees can confidently address family leave violations and secure justice.

Steps to Take if Your Family Leave Rights Are Violated

If you believe your family leave rights have been violated, consider these steps:

  • Document your communications with your employer regarding leave
  • Retain copies of medical certifications or related paperwork
  • Consult an employment lawyer to evaluate your case and discuss next steps

Acting promptly ensures your rights are protected and strengthens your case.

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?

Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, has extensive experience handling family leave cases in New Jersey. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to protect employees’ rights and ensure they receive the support they need during critical times.

Don’t let family leave violations go unaddressed. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for expert legal guidance and safeguard your rights during life’s most important moments.