When personal or family-related matters require you to take time off work, you have every right to expect your job to be there when you return. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, your employer is prohibited from taking any adverse actions against you for seeking qualifying time off work. If your rights are violated, you can rely on a Whittier, CA FMLA lawyer to represent you through the administrative complaint process.
Challenging your employer for violating your workplace rights can seem daunting, which is why many workers in Whittier rely on Esperanza Anderson to represent them through the FMLA violation claims process. With over 30 years of experience and over $15,000,000 recovered for employees, our Pasadena-based founding attorney has the skills and experience to fight and win on your behalf.
Her past career working for large law firms that represented Fortune 500 companies brings her the insights that she needs to hold employers accountable for the laws they break and the harm they cause. When you work with our lead attorney, you gain a trusted and tireless ally who listens to your story and remains personally available to you throughout your case. Se habla español.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal act that grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons. In Whittier communities like Lowell, Whittwood, and Los Nietos, many workers depend on this protection when facing major life events.
Only about 56% to 60% of workers nationwide meet the eligibility requirements, which are based on factors like employer size, hours worked, and job tenure. More than one-quarter of employees who take leave do so to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Roughly one in six caregiving leaves are for loved ones not included in the FMLA’s strict definition of family, which could complicate the unpaid time off if the employer contested the request. In California, over 18 million workers contributed to and were eligible for Paid Family Leave in recent years, which offers wage support but not job protection.
If your employer violated your FMLA rights, you may be entitled to relief under the federal law. With representation from an attorney, you can reclaim lost wages, lost benefits, and out-of-pocket expenses caused by the denial or interference with your leave.
In some cases, you may be eligible for emotional distress that you suffered as a result of your employer’s actions. If you were fired or demoted, you could be eligible for job reinstatement or front pay. The exact amount and type of recovery depend on the harm you experienced and the strength of your claim.
If you were subjected to retaliation or other forms of harm due to your protected right to take time off work under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you need representation from an FMLA attorney who understands Whittier FMLA laws and how to hold employers accountable for their actions. FMLA cases are complex and require an understanding of federal protections for workers.
By working with an experienced retaliation attorney in Whittier, you can remove yourself from the center of the dispute and allow your lawyer to speak on your behalf. Having strong legal representation sends the message that you take your rights seriously and will not tolerate being harassed or retaliated against.
Whether your outcome results from direct negotiations, an administrative complaint, or a civil claim in court, working with the right attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing the relief and accountability you deserve.
A: You can prove an FMLA violation at work by gathering evidence that shows that you qualified for leave, properly requested leave, and then faced negative action because of your request. You can strengthen your case by holding onto emails tied to the violation, HR paperwork, and any evidence of adverse actions by your employer after your request. You can also write down a timeline of events detailing the FMLA violations.
A: If your employer violated your FMLA rights, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages. An employment lawyer may be able to help you recover lost wages, lost benefits, and job reinstatement, among other remedies. A successful claim may also compensate you for the cost of your legal representation. If you have questions about your eligibility for compensation, consult with an attorney to gain a better idea of what you may be entitled to under state law.
A: If your rights under FMLA were violated, you can begin the process of holding your employer accountable by carefully documenting your dates of leave, communications with your employer, and any negative actions you face as a result of requesting leave. To back up your claim, be sure to retain important emails, texts, and formal letters. Avoid discussing your situation with coworkers, and secure representation from an employment attorney who handles FMLA matters.
A: No, federal law prohibits your employer from retaliating against employees for using FMLA leave. If your employer demotes you, cuts your hours, changes your schedule, or treats you differently after you take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, those actions could be seen as retaliation. Retain records of what happened because acts of retaliation could make you eligible for compensation when you work with an employment lawyer.
If your right to take time off work under FMLA was violated, you need legal representation that gets results. Esperanza Anderson brings decades of experience helping employees recover the relief they are owed under state and federal law. She has earned a strong reputation for being a tireless fighter for the rights of her clients. Reach out today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward getting the answers you need.