The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) protects employees in Buena, NJ, who need time off for family obligations, such as caring for a seriously ill family member or bonding with a newborn. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is dedicated to providing expert legal assistance for employees facing challenges securing family leave.
Our firm focuses on employee rights throughout New Jersey, with in-depth knowledge of NJFLA regulations. We work to hold employers accountable for NJFLA violations. When you schedule a consultation with us, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who will explain your rights and guide you through available legal options. For legal counsel on NJFLA matters in Buena, NJ, contact us today.
Understanding Your Entitlements Under the New Jersey Family Leave Act
The NJFLA mandates that employers with at least 50 employees provide up to 12 weeks of leave within a 24-month period. During this leave, employees must continue to receive benefits, including health insurance, and their job or a similar position must be available upon their return.
To be eligible for NJFLA leave, employees must meet the following criteria:
- Have completed at least 12 months of employment with the company
- Worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the previous year
- Work at a company with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius of the worksite
Employees must provide proper notice for leave requests:
- 30 days’ notice for childbirth or adoption
- 15 days’ notice for caring for a family member
In urgent situations, the notice period can be shorter. Employers may also request medical certification to verify the leave. Retaliation against employees for taking NJFLA leave is prohibited and can result in legal consequences.
Qualifying Grounds for Family Leave
Eligible employees can take NJFLA leave for:
- Bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster child within one year of the child’s birth or placement
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition or ongoing medical needs
- Assisting a family member during a state of emergency related to a communicable disease or when a child’s school is closed due to public health concerns
The definition of a “family member” includes children, spouses, parents, in-laws, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, domestic partners, and individuals with whom the employee shares a familial relationship.
Unlike the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the NJFLA does not cover leave for an employee’s own health condition.
Common NJFLA Violations
Employers violate the NJFLA in several ways, including:
- Denying male employees leave for bonding with a newborn
- Retaliating against female employees after returning from family leave by demoting or reassigning them
- Using NJFLA leave against employees in performance evaluations
- Misapplying NJFLA leave policies, confusing them with FMLA leave
Due to the complexity of these issues, having an experienced attorney in Buena, NJ, is crucial for protecting your rights under the NJFLA.
How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help
If your employer has wrongfully denied your NJFLA leave or retaliated against you, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress damages. In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded to both punish the employer and prevent future violations.
Additionally, if you win your case, the employer may be required to pay your legal fees and court costs. For employees in Buena, NJ, dealing with these issues, we are committed to defending your rights under the NJFLA.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Family Leave Act Attorney
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC specializes in helping employees navigate NJFLA violations. If you’re in Buena, NJ, and need legal assistance, our attorneys are ready to support you. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your specific legal needs.