FMLA Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
One of the biggest constants in life is that unexpected events happen and can derail our ability to continue living normally, going to work, and more. Luckily, the federal government understands that life happens and provides a buffer so employees can take time off and still receive payment in the form of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA allows qualified employees to take up to 12 weeks off of work for their own medical condition, to care for a family member with a medical condition, or to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. If you need legal assistance with a matter related to the FMLA, it is important to have quality legal support. Attorney Ben Barrett has proudly represented clients across the state of Georgia for over 30 years. To discuss your situation with an attorney you can trust to put your best interests first, contact Ben Barrett Law today.
Who Qualifies for FMLA in Georgia?
As mentioned above, the Family Medical Leave Act permits certain employees to take paid leave from work to care for a family member suffering from a medical condition, caring for a newborn or newly adopted child, or for matters related to their own health. A qualified employee is one who has worked for an employer for more than 1250 hours in the previous 12 months. At the same time, for an employer to be subject to the FMLA, they must have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius of the location where the qualified employee works.
How Does the FMLA Protect Employees in Georgia?
Essentially, in the state of Georgia, the Family Medical Leave Act can protect you from being fired or laid off while on leave for a covered reason. If you need up to 12 weeks of time to recover from a covered condition or to care for a loved one with a covered condition, then you cannot be terminated during that time. At the end of your leave under the FMLA, your employer must allow you to return to your original position or to a substantially similar position. If they deny you of this, you may wish to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.
Will I Be Paid During My FMLA Leave?
Employers in Georgia are not required to offer paid leave under the FMLA. Your employer may offer to pay you your normal wage, a reduced wage, or no wage at all during your leave. However, their only requirement is to ensure that you may return to your old position or a very similar new position.
Contact Ben Barrett Law
Unfortunately, we have seen numerous employers ignore the FMLA, leaning on the fact that Georgia is an employment-at-will state. This is where Ben Barrett Law comes in. We are here to fight for your rights and to force employers to abide by the law. If you’ve been terminated while on FMLA leave, you may have an employment law case. Contact Ben Barrett Law today to learn how we can assist you.
