California is one of the greatest states in which to live and work. Being a full-time employee in California and across the country is not only about the pay, it is also about benefits such as health insurance and paid medical leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act ensures that workers are still paid when injuries or illnesses force them to miss work for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, some employers these days can and will retaliate against employees who use their rightful medical leave. Recently, a lawsuit was filed when a worker allegedly faced retaliation for using his FMLA rights.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was an employee of the Nissan company based in another state. The man claims he was hospitalized with a serious health condition and forced to miss several weeks of work. Upon returning to his place of employment, the plaintiff claims he faced retaliation.
The plaintiff says he was demoted by his employer for using extended medical leave. The lawsuit accuses the employer of retaliation and violating the plaintiff’s rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 as well as back pay and benefits.
Workers in the United States have laws and rights such as the FMLA to protect them when they are forced to miss work due to illness or injury. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to face retaliation by employers for exercising these rights. Those in California who have faced retaliation in the workplace may be able to pursue legal action. A successful lawsuit could result in much-needed and deserved compensation as well as restoration of lost benefits.
Source: flarecord.com, “Nissan employee alleges medical leave violation”, Jenie Mallari-Torres, Nov. 22, 2017