From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.

From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.

Sadly, employment disputes over FMLA benefits happen

On Behalf of | May 5, 2017 | Employment Law

Certain family events may require one to take a leave of absence from work in order to tend to the matter. According to federal laws, the ability to do so is a right, under the proper circumstances. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which was passed in 1993, requires certain employers to allow their employees to take time off if they experience a qualifying event. Unfortunately, numerous Michigan residents may have had their FMLA requests wrongfully denied by their employers or have been terminated while on leave. When employment disputes like these arise, legal actions may be taken.

The FMLA covers employees in all fields. It does not matter if they are state, federal or local workers. It also does not matter if they work in the private sector. If they meet the eligibility requirements for an FMLA leave of absence and their employers are covered, they have the right to request the time off.

There are very specific family events that FMLA covers. If one experiences anything outside one of these qualifying events, his or her employer may deny an FMLA request. Those events that do qualify include:

  • Birth of a child
  • Child adoption
  • Death of a loved one
  • Serious health issue — employee
  • Serious health issue — family member

If an FMLA request is approved, an employee will enjoy the comfort of knowing that his or her employment benefits will remain active and that he or she will have the ability to return to the job when ready. If an FMLA request is refused or an employee is terminated while on leave, this may be cause to take legal actions against the employer. An experienced attorney can assist Michigan residents in filing claims over employment disputes such as these. With the right help, compensation for any resulting losses can be sought.

Source: dol.gov, “The Family and Medical Leave Act”, Accessed on May 4, 2017