When life throws a curveball—whether it’s the birth of a child, a serious illness, or a family emergency—having the ability to take job-protected leave is critical. That’s why the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) exists. In Atlantic County and throughout New Jersey, employees are entitled to unpaid leave under FMLA without fear of losing their jobs. If your employer has denied your leave or retaliated against you for taking it, you may have a legal claim.
What Is the FMLA?
The FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons, including:
- The birth or adoption of a child
- A serious health condition of the employee
- Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
- Certain qualifying needs arising from a family member’s military service
During FMLA leave, your job (or an equivalent one) must be held for you, and your employer must continue your health benefits as if you had not taken leave.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for FMLA leave, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months
- Work at a location with at least 50 employees within 75 miles
Common FMLA Violations
Despite these protections, many employers in Atlantic County fail to follow the law. Violations may include:
- Denying eligible leave requests
- Refusing to reinstate employees after leave
- Cutting hours or demoting employees post-leave
- Retaliating or terminating employees for taking FMLA leave
How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a respected New Jersey employment law firm representing workers in Atlantic County. Their attorneys have extensive experience handling FMLA cases and fighting for employees who’ve been unfairly denied leave or punished for using it.
They’ll help you determine your eligibility, gather documentation, and pursue legal action if your rights have been violated.
If you believe your FMLA rights have been ignored, Atlantic County Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are ready to protect your job and your future.
What You May Recover in an FMLA Violation Case
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reinstatement to your previous role
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Liquidated damages (double your lost wages)
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
Your family comes first—and so should your rights. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and ensure you’re fully protected under FMLA in Atlantic County.