FMLA Lawyer in Hollywood, FL

Fighting to Protect Workers’ Rights and Secure Justice on Your Behalf

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows employees to take protected time away from work for family and health reasons. This is a crucial area of employment law that allows workers to handle important issues without fear of losing their jobs. Unfortunately, employers do not always abide by labor law. If you feel you’ve been restricted or punished for using federally protected rights, an FMLA lawyer in Hollywood, FL may be able to help.

At The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A., our employment law attorney is committed to securing fair outcomes for our clients. We know how difficult it can be when employers violate your rights. When this happens, you may be entitled to significant compensation. While you might be worried about the repercussions of seeking justice, it’s important that you understand and assert your rights. Failure to do so can result in unfortunate outcomes.

Don’t let this happen to you. Contact our FMLA attorneys in Hollywood, FL today for a free consultation.

How Does FMLA Work Under Employment Law?

Employers must abide by certain fair labor standards, and providing FMLA leave is one of them. This leave can be used to deal with a serious health condition, care for a family member, participate in activities related to family in the Armed Services, and other important issues. Eligible employees can also take leave to give birth, go through the adoption process, or take care of their child for a certain period of time. The FMLA provides unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks in a 12-month period for the following employees:

• Those who work for employers who have a minimum of 50 workers within 75 miles of the requesting employee
•  Employees who have been on staff with the company for a minimum of one year
• Employees who have put in at least 1,250 work hours during the year

Everyone from salaried to tipped employees qualifies for FMLA if these requirements are met. Of course, this could leave an independent contractor wondering what rights they have. Unfortunately, these individuals would not qualify for protected leave. However, these workers may be misclassified under the Fair Labor Standards Act. If this is the case, they might be entitled to FMLA leave and other forms of compensation.

This is why it’s important to speak with a Hollywood, FL FMLA lawyer who deals with various employment issues. That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A. Even if you’re in Cooper City, Miami Lakes, or other nearby cities, we’re here to help you through these difficulties.

Do You Need an Employment Lawyer to Secure FMLA Leave?

Fortunately, working with Florida lawyers is typically unnecessary to access FMLA leave. That’s because you should be able to simply submit a request to your employer. Federal laws require employers to abide by worker protection laws, and this means eligible workers should be granted FMLA leave. Businesses can choose to pay employees during this time using vacation leave, or they may simply not pay workers and then reinstate them to their original position when they return.

Unfortunately, Florida employers will not always take their responsibility seriously. Perhaps they refuse to grant time off, or maybe they instead fire their employer or put them in a less desirable position. Returning to the office to find you no longer have the same job can be devastating, and being denied time off can come with its own set of problems. In these instances — or if you feel like you’re facing discrimination by being denied time off — an employment law attorney can provide assistance.

How Can Employment Lawyers Help When You’re Treated Wrongfully?

Everyone wants to avoid court when possible, but unfortunately, employers will not always make this possible. There will be times when the only way to secure a fair outcome is to submit formal complaints or file claims in a court of law. If you’re denied FMLA leave or face other violations of employment law, it’s time to speak with a legal professional. Whether you needed time off to deal with an illness or start a new family, our law firm is ready to help.

However, you may be wondering how an FMLA lawyer in Hollywood, FL can assist in your situation. There are a variety of ways:

•  Provide a legal assessment and advice to help you understand your rights
•  Handle evidence and documentation gathering
•  Negotiate with employers on behalf of clients
•  Filing complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor
• Representation in legal proceedings
• Helping employees ensure they’re following proper FMLA procedures
•  File claims against employers for retaliation

Unfortunately, FMLA law is often more complex than one might expect. For instance, there have been recent cases regarding whether FMLA leave can cover mandatory overtime — which could call other issues (e.g., overtime pay, required time off) into question. However, keep in mind that an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you’re owed compensation.

Perhaps your employer wouldn’t give you time off, or maybe they ended your health insurance coverage while you were gone. Then again, they may simply refuse to give you your old job back — or even terminate you entirely. In such instances, we’ll fight to ensure you’re paid what you’re owed and receive all the federal protections our country provides. From Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood and everywhere nearby, our FMLA lawyer is ready to help. Contact us today to get started.

Contact an FMLA Lawyer in Hollywood, FL Today

Anyone who starts a business has certain requirements they’re expected to abide by. For instance, employees’ civil rights must be protected at all times. However, some employers have additional responsibilities. When an employer reaches a certain size and meets certain qualifications, they must provide their workers with FMLA when requested. This is true whether they’re paying minimum wage or all their employees make six-figure salaries. If you’ve been wrongfully denied time away from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act, a Hollywood, FL attorney may be able to help.

At The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A., our employment law attorneys understand what you’re going through. We handle FMLA violations and related practice areas. Whether you were denied leave, forced into a lower position, terminated, or faced other wrongful acts, we may be able to secure compensation on your behalf. We can help submit official complaints or file a lawsuit on your behalf. Let our law firm review your case and help you understand whether you have a valid legal claim. Contact us at (954) 516-1353 to schedule your free consultation.

Our FMLA lawyer in Hollywood, FL is ready to help.