As an employee in California, you may need to take time off work for a medical reason. Whether you are dealing with a personal illness, caring for a family member, or recovering from a disability, it’s important to understand your rights and options when it comes to medical leave.
In California, employees are protected by both state and federal laws when it comes to medical leave. The most well-known law is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees with job protection and wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of leave per year.
In addition to the FMLA, California also has its own medical leave laws, including the Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) law, which provides up to four months of leave for women who are disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
If you need to take medical leave, the first step is to understand your eligibility. To be eligible for leave under the FMLA, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months, and have worked at least 1,250 hours during that time. You must also work at a location with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius.
If you are eligible for medical leave, you should provide your employer with as much notice as possible. You may also need to provide medical certification from your healthcare provider to support your need for leave.
It’s important to understand that taking medical leave is a protected right, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising this right. This means that you should be able to return to your job with the same pay, benefits, and job duties as before you took leave.
If you are having trouble accessing medical leave, or if you have concerns about your rights, it’s important to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney. LaGuardia Law can help you understand the laws and regulations surrounding medical leave claims in California, and can help you navigate the process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Don’t wait to take the first step towards protecting your rights as an employee. Contact LaGuardia Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for medical leave in California.