Family Medical Leave Act, FMLA
Connecticut workers are in the enviable position to potentially choose between the federal Family Medical Leave Act or the state Family Medical Leave Act. Connecticut's Family Medical Leave Act provides greater benefits than that of the federal act but only to a limited employer class. It is important to speak with an Attorney familiar with the both the federal and state FMLA laws to determine which act governs your benefits. Attorney Mike Simko has represented clients in FMLA claims since these laws were enacted in 1993 and understands the statutes unique to each version of the FMLAs.
Though FMLA allows you to take leaves of absences, you are not paid for your time away from work. However, your job, or a similarly suited position, is held pending your return to work. State FMLA allows for 16 weeks of unpaid leave while federal FMLA allows for only 12 weeks. The 12 weeks federal FMLA or 16 weeks state FMLA, do not have to be taken all at once and can be spread out over 24 months. Call our office today to consult with Attorney Simko regarding your FMLA benefits.
FMLA qualifying events extend beyond just the employee's illness or injury. FMLA leaves of absences can be taken for such life events as:
- The birth of a child
- Adoption of a child
- Placement of a foster child
- Serious health condition of the employees child, spouse or parent
If you are being denied a leave of absence for a qualifying life circumstance, have experienced negative repercussions upon your return to work after an FMLA leave of absence, or have been terminated due to an FMLA leave of absence, contact the Law Office of V. Michael Simko, Jr., LLC, in Shelton, Connecticut, to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.
