La Grange FMLA Lawyer

Illinois FMLA Attorney Representing Clients in La Grange

Many employees in La Grange are eligible to take job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, in far too many circumstances, employees experience adverse responses from employers that put their jobs and livelihoods at risk, including unlawful retaliation. For example, in violation of the FMLA, employers may refuse to allow employees to take FMLA leave or retaliate against employees who have taken FMLA leave. In some cases, employers may not understand their responsibilities concerning the FMLA, but other violations may be willful. If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities under the FMLA, an experienced La Grange FMLA lawyer is here to help.

What is the FMLA and How Does it Apply in La Grange Workplaces?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain reasons, typically medical-related or to care for family members. The employee does not sacrifice their wages or benefits in doing so. The specified reasons for which an employee can take FMLA leave include the following:

Birth of a newborn baby, or adoption or foster care of a child;
Employee’s spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition and needs the employee’s care;
Employee has a serious health condition and cannot perform the essential functions of the job; or
Employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on active military duty that has resulted in a need for the employee’s care.

Many employees in La Grange are eligible for FMLA leave for the above specified reasons and can be eligible to take leave after meeting notice requirements and informing their employer. If an employer takes adverse action against an employee who seeks or takes FMLA leave, that employee may be able to file an FMLA violation claim.

Covered FMLA Employers and Eligibility for Leave in La Grange

An employer is covered if the employer is in the private sector and employs at least 50 employees for 20 or more workweeks during the calendar year. Public employers are generally covered regardless of the number of employees. In order to be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must work for a covered employer. Then, the employee must meet additional eligibility requirements that include the following:

Has worked for the employer for at least 12 months;
Has at least 1,250 hours of work in the last 12 months; and
Works at one of the employer’s locations where there are at least 50 employees within 75 miles of the worksite.

Contact Our La Grange FMLA Attorneys

Whether you need assistance determining eligibility for FMLA leave or your rights under the FMLA were violated, it is important to seek assistance from an experienced FMLA lawyer in La Grange. An advocate at our firm can assess your case today and can provide you with more information about seeking a remedy for an FMLA violation or taking steps to ensure your eligibility for FMLA leave. Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline today to learn more about how our firm can help with your FMLA case.