As an employee, you should be familiar with the Family and Medical Leave Act. While this doesn’t pertain to every employer and employee, many are covered. In short, this act is in place protect workers who need to take a leave related to a personal or family medical situation.
As an employee entitled to FMLA leave, you need to know your rights as well as your responsibilities. There is a procedure you must follow to ensure protection. At the same time, your employer must take some key steps as well, such as allowing you to return to your previous position once your leave comes to an end.
An employer that denies FMLA benefits could be held liable for damages.
Are you unsure of whether or not you are entitled to make a claim under FMLA? In addition to speaking with your human resources department, consider some of these common examples of covered situations:
— Cancer treatment
— Childbirth and/or pregnancy complications
— Treatment for a heart ailment
— Surgery
— Extended medical care for a parent or child
— Psychiatric treatment
Most people never make an FMLA claim, but this is not entirely uncommon. For example, you may want time off after giving birth to a child. While you don’t get paid during your leave, it is nice to know you can return to your position at the appropriate time.
If you are seeking additional information on the Family and Medical Leave Act, our website is a good place to start. We provide information on all aspects of the law, including what to do in the event that you are wrongfully denied a leave.
