Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides legal representation to individuals in Northfield, NJ who face employer discrimination related to family leave. If your employer is denying your rights under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and hold them accountable.
Our firm focuses on ensuring that employees in Northfield, NJ receive the leave they are legally entitled to. When you consult with Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, you will speak directly with an attorney familiar with the NJFLA’s requirements and nuances, helping you understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal remedies.
Understanding Your Rights Under the New Jersey Family Leave Act
The NJFLA entitles employees of employers with 50 or more staff within a 75-mile radius to up to 12 weeks of family leave every 24 months. This leave can be used to bond with a newborn, adoptive, or foster child, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. During leave, employees are entitled to retain health insurance coverage and return to their same or equivalent position.
To qualify, employees must have worked at least 12 months and completed 1,250 hours over the past year. Notice requirements include 30 days for childbirth or adoption and 15 days for caregiving, though emergencies may shorten these periods. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who take NJFLA leave, and violations can lead to legal action.
Qualifying Reasons for Family Leave
- Bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster child within one year of birth or placement.
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition, including children, spouses, parents, domestic partners, and close relatives.
- Assisting a family member during a public health emergency.
Unlike the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the NJFLA does not cover leave for an employee’s own medical condition.
Common Violations of the NJFLA
Employers often violate the NJFLA by:
- Denying leave for bonding with a child.
- Penalizing employees upon their return from family leave.
- Using leave against employees in performance evaluations.
- Improperly combining NJFLA and FMLA leave.
It is essential for employers to distinguish between NJFLA and FMLA entitlements, as they are separate legal protections.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
If your employer has wrongfully denied or retaliated against you for taking NJFLA leave, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help you pursue justice. Potential remedies include compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. In severe cases, punitive damages may apply, and the employer may be required to cover your legal fees and court costs.
If you are in Northfield, NJ and need guidance on NJFLA rights, contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC. Our attorneys will advocate aggressively to ensure you receive the leave you are entitled to under New Jersey law.