Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I was terminated on the last day of my fmla leave I provided a doctors note prior stating I owuld return to work on Dec 15 but iit was not accepted. They claim because of the critical nature of my job they could not hold it. I found out today an employee was promoted to my job months ago and is still the manager. Is this legal? Can they fire me when I am on leave? I have fibromyalgia and just started the meds for it. it takes some tine to normalize your body on this medication that is why ai am out until dec 15


Asked on 10/11/15, 8:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Charles Perry Law Offices of Charles R. Perry

An employer can terminate an employee during an FMLA leave -- but it cannot do so for reasons that constitute discrimination. You will need to consult with an attorney who represents employees in discrimination matters to see if you have a case.

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Answered on 10/11/15, 10:58 pm
David Sarnoff Sarnoff + Sarnoff

If your employer terminated you because you took medical leave, then that may be unlawful discrimination and/or retaliation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and/or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). CFRA is the California state version of the FMLA, which is a federal law, and the FEHA is California's anti-discrimination/harassment/retaliation statute, which includes disability discrimination. If your employer can show that holding your job open for your entire leave would have been an "undue hardship" on the company, then the termination may not be unlawful. However, that is a difficult standard to meet for an employer.

You need to discuss with an attorney who knows employment law in order to get a full assessment of your legal rights. We take cases throughout California, so if you want a more in depth analysis, please contact our office via our website: www.sarnofflaw.com. You can also call us at (877) 877-2545.

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Answered on 10/12/15, 8:43 am


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