The Family and Medical Leave Act is a powerful federal law that allows workers to attend to family and medical matters without fear of losing a job or health insurance coverage. While federal and state laws already prohibit discrimination due to pregnancy or disability, the FMLA requires employers to allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12 month period for employees facing any of the following:
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Moreover, the FMLA provides special protections to spouses, children and parents of U.S. service members, including up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a seriously ill or injured member of the military.
While most employers understand and respect their obligations under the FMLA, others may balk at the prospect of providing continuing health care coverage and job security during extended leave periods. Some employers may try to assert that an illness or injury is not serious or that an employee has not worked long enough to qualify under the FMLA. Some may even try to retaliate against employees for asserting their rights under this law.
When an employer refuses to honor its obligations under the FMLA, an aggrieved employee may bring a civil action against the company with the help of a Family and Medical Leave Act lawyer in Arkansas. Under this law, employees may gain reinstatement to their former positions as well as compensation for lost wages and any other monetary loss. The statute also allows employees to recover attorney fees.
Attending to a sick or injured loved one can be a full-time job in itself, making it difficult for family members to continue working. Fortunately, there are federal laws designed to keep your job safe in these situations. The Arkansas Family and Medical Leave Act attorneys of the Sanford Law Firm understand the complexities of these laws. We help employees assert their rights against uncooperative employers and fight for compensation and justice for wrongfully terminated workers.
State and federal employment laws are designed to provide employees with some measure of security and justice in the workplace. At the Sanford Law Firm our team of attorneys helps workers understand and assert their rights under federal and Arkansas family medical leave laws. From our offices in Little Rock and Russellville we are proud to serve workers and their families throughout Arkansas. But we are ready and willing to work in other states — wherever workers need a strong and principled advocate. Call our Little Rock office at 501-476-6251 or toll free at or contact us online to schedule a consultation regarding your employment issue.