Commentary About FMLA Laws – Understanding Your Legal Rights With Employment Law and FMLA
Question: “If I experience a serious illness and miss a lot work, am I protected from losing my job?” or “My wife is pregnant and I need time off to help care for her and the baby once it’s born. Will I get fired if I take time off, since I am not sick?”
Answer: The FMLA, Family Medical Leave Act, requires that most employers provide 12 weeks of unpaid, protected leave to full-time employees for certain family and/or medical reasons. If you or an immediate family member experiences a serious illness that requires extensive medical treatment, inpatient or outpatient, the FMLA provided by your employer will protect you from termination for reasons associated with that medical issue.
If you have a pregnant wife, or are a pregnant woman, the FMLA protects your right to take leave from work, have the baby, and take recuperative time before returning to work.
Be aware that employers can terminate your employment for other reasons even while you’re on your FMLA leave. If you believe that your employer fired you because of your medical leave from work, you have the right to speak with an FMLA attorney in Little Rock to learn more about your rights under the FMLA.
Please contact our Law Office to schedule a private consultation regarding your specific issue.