Being denied leave during a medical emergency or other serious personal matter can make a difficult situation much more stressful. Workers at places like Huntington Hospital, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Unified School District, and elsewhere are not immune to FMLA violations. A Pasadena FMLA lawyer can stand up for your rights and hold your employer accountable for violating federal or state leave laws.
Protecting Your Employee Rights in Pasadena
Going up against your employer can be a challenging prospect, but you don’t have to do it alone. With legal representation from Esperanza Anderson, who brings 30 years of legal experience, you can boldly reclaim your lawful time off and demand compensation for the emotional and professional harm you suffered due to your mistreatment.
Our lead attorney is a fierce advocate for the rights of employees, and she has won many victories against giant companies. We are staffed by bilingual employee lawyers who understand the challenges local workers face and how to secure compensation for the hardships they have suffered.
Understanding FMLA Rights in Pasadena
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave without pay every year for serious health conditions, the birth or adoption of a child, or to take care of a close family member.
Despite these protections, violations are common. In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor recovered $200,000 for a former Cobb and Douglas Public Health worker after their FMLA rights were violated.
Pasadena’s largest employment sectors are heavily concentrated in health care, professional services, and education, which collectively employ nearly half the city. These fields often involve demanding schedules and high stress levels that make leave protections crucial. With approximately 43.7% of residents married, many individuals also balance work with caregiving duties at home.
Understanding your right to medical or family leave can make the difference between protecting your job and losing it. If your employer is interfering with your time off or punishing you for requesting it, you do not have to stay silent.
Understanding Your Legal Options Following an FMLA Violation
When your employer denies your right to protected leave, demotes you, or retaliates after you return, they may be violating the Family and Medical Leave Act. Whether you work at Huntington Hospital, Caltech, or elsewhere, you are protected by important legal rights.
You may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, or damages for emotional distress. Many employees fear taking action because of job insecurity, but the law protects workers who assert their FMLA rights. If you believe your employer acted unlawfully, you can take steps to hold them accountable.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical
FMLA claims are often met with denial or delay from large employers and legal teams trained to protect company interests. Whether you’re facing pushback from HR at Kaiser Permanente or have been disciplined after taking leave from a private clinic near South Lake Avenue, having an advocate on your side changes the conversation.
Legal representation allows you to collect key documents you may not otherwise have access to. An attorney can help you better understand the full scope of damages to which you may be entitled. In Pasadena, where many workers are part of large institutions or government agencies, experienced representation can level the playing field and give your case the strength it deserves.
Eligibility for FMLA leave depends on your work history and employer size. Generally, you must have worked long enough and consistently for a covered employer. The law protects your right to leave for serious health conditions, caring for a family member, or welcoming a new child. If your request is denied, it helps to understand which criteria may or may not apply.
You cannot be fired because you take FMLA leave, but you can be terminated for reasons unrelated to the leave if your employer can prove it. For example, layoffs, misconduct, or business closures may still apply. If the timing of your termination raises red flags or appears retaliatory, you may have grounds to file a complaint. Keep documentation of all employer communications.
Yes. FMLA leave can cover serious mental health conditions if they meet the law’s criteria. Conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD may qualify if they require ongoing medical treatment or inpatient care. Documentation from a healthcare provider is essential. FMLA protects your job during qualifying leave, whether for your own condition or to take care of a loved one with a mental health issue.
If your employer denies valid FMLA leave, you may be entitled to reinstatement, lost wages, or other remedies. Employers cannot interfere with your right to take protected leave for serious health conditions or family reasons. Keep records of your request, any medical certifications, and the company’s response. Denials based on misinformation, retaliation, or misunderstanding of the law may be challenged.
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during a 12-month period under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This time can be used for your own serious health condition, to take care of a qualifying family member, or after the birth or adoption of a child. Leave can be taken all at once or intermittently when medically necessary.
Contact Esperanza Anderson Today
If your employer denied your right to medical leave, interfered with your time off, or retaliated after you returned, it’s time to take action. You don’t have to handle this on your own. Esperanza Anderson has decades of experience holding employers accountable and protecting the rights of employees in Pasadena and across Los Angeles County.
Our law firm has earned a strong reputation for getting results. We’ve recouped over $15,000,000 for employees in and around Pasadena. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the answers you need.