Balancing health needs with workplace responsibilities can be challenging, especially when employers fail to honor legal protections for medical and disability leave. Under federal and California laws, employees have the right to take leave for serious medical conditions, disabilities, or family caregiving without fear of retaliation or discrimination. If your employer has denied your leave, retaliated against you, or failed to accommodate your needs, a Los Angeles Medical & Disability Leave lawyer can help protect your rights.
At Crown Law Group, PC, we are committed to ensuring that employees receive the medical leave and disability accommodations they are entitled to under the law. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of leave laws and are ready to advocate for your rights.
Understanding Your Rights Under Medical & Disability Leave Laws
Several laws protect employees who need medical or disability leave:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal law that provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions or to care for a family member.
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Similar to the FMLA, CFRA allows eligible employees in California 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which may include medical leave.
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): FEHA offers additional protections to employees with disabilities and requires employers to engage in a good-faith process to accommodate disabilities.
Common Violations of Medical & Disability Leave Rights
Employers may violate medical and disability leave rights in a variety of ways, including:
- Denial of Leave: Refusing to grant legally protected medical or disability leave.
- Retaliation: Taking adverse actions, such as demotions or terminations, after an employee requests or takes leave.
- Failure to Accommodate: Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
- Interference with Leave: This makes it difficult for employees to take their legally protected leave or discourages them from doing so.
- Improper Documentation Demands: Requiring excessive or unnecessary medical documentation.
Who Is Eligible for Medical & Disability Leave
Eligibility for leave depends on the specific law:
- FMLA/CFRA: To qualify, employees must have worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months for an employer with at least 50 employees.
- ADA/FEHA: Employees are eligible if they have a qualifying disability and the employer has at least five employees (for FEHA) or 15 employees (for ADA).
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If you believe your medical or disability leave rights have been violated, take the following steps:
- Document Everything: Keep records of your leave requests, employer responses, and related communications.
- File an Internal Complaint: Report the issue to your company’s HR department or a supervisor.
- Consult a Lawyer: Speak to a Los Angeles Medical & Disability Leave attorney to understand your legal options and next steps.
Potential Compensation for Violations
Employees who have experienced medical or disability leave violations may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages due to wrongful termination or retaliation.
- Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for mental anguish or emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: Additional damages intended to punish employers for intentional violations.
- Attorney Fees: Reimbursement for legal fees and court costs.
Statistics on Medical & Disability Leave Issues
- According to Department of Labor statistics, over 1 million FMLA violations are reported yearly in the U.S.
- Nearly 25% of employees report facing retaliation or other negative actions after taking medical or disability leave.
- Employees with disabilities are twice as likely to face workplace discrimination compared to those without disabilities.
How Crown Law Group, PC Can Help
Our dedicated Medical & Disability Leave attorneys provide personalized legal services to help you fight for your rights. We offer:
- Case Evaluation: A thorough review of your case to determine whether your rights have been violated.
- Negotiation with Employers: We will work to resolve disputes with your employer and secure fair compensation.
- Legal Representation: We will take your case to court to hold your employer accountable if necessary.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you believe your rights to medical or disability leave have been violated, don’t wait to seek help. A Los Angeles Medical & Disability Leave lawyer at Crown Law Group, PC is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 310-734-0504 to schedule a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
