Philadelphia Attorneys Helping Clients With Family And Medical Leave Act Cases
Cases involving the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be complex. Doing this on your own can bring headaches and misunderstandings. Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., has stepped in and helped clients move forward with their lives. With 200 years of combined experience, our employment law attorneys have helped people in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
FMLA 101: What You Need To Know
We prioritize the needs of every person who enters our office. Many workers do not realize the law protects them during family crises or health struggles. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensures eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year without losing their jobs. Federal law requires your employer to maintain your health benefits during this time.
Eligibility generally includes anyone working for a public agency. For private businesses, the FMLA applies if the company employs 50 or more people within a 75-mile radius of your worksite. Your employer cannot fire you or punish you for using this time. Whether you need to bond with a newborn or manage a serious illness, we will fight to protect your rights.
Questions And Answers For Common FMLA Scenarios
FMLA rules often feel confusing. We help you understand your legal standing so you can make informed choices. Here are answers to three common questions our clients ask about the Family and Medical Leave Act.
On what grounds can my employer legally deny my FMLA request?
An employer can deny your request if you have worked there for less than 12 months, have not worked 1,250 hours in the past year, do not work at a site with 50 or more employees in a 75-mile radius, or do not have a qualifying medical or family reason. If your paperwork is simply incomplete, your employer must give you written notice of the specific problem and at least seven days to fix it before they can deny your leave.
How can I protect myself from being fired or demoted after returning from an FMLA leave of absence?
The law requires your employer to return you to your original job or a nearly identical position with the same pay and benefits. To protect yourself, keep a written record of all communications regarding your return and immediately report any “coincidence” where your duties or pay drop shortly after you come back.
My employer dropped my health coverage while I was on FMLA leave. What can I do?
Your employer must provide a written 15-day warning before dropping coverage due to your share of the premiums being 30 days late; however, regardless of any lapse during leave, they are legally required to restore your full health benefits immediately upon your return to work. You can hold them liable for any medical costs you paid out of pocket and force them to restore your benefits immediately.
You Have Enough On Your Plate. Let Us Help You Move Forward.
Many people are simply unsure where to start. We can work through your case together and discuss all of the options in front of you. To schedule a free consultation, contact our offices in Philadelphia or Bensalem at 215-639-0801. To reach our offices in Marlton or Astoria, call us at 609-683-4022. You can email us by clicking here.