Legal Question in Medical Leave in Illinois
Termination after Heart Surgery & Stroke
Employee has been with a Catholic school, running their kitchen, for 23 years. Has long history of heart problems. A new independen company took over running the kitchen on August 1. Employee had to have heart surgery on August 15, which also resulted in a stroke. Company has now terminated employee, saying she hasn't been with the company long enough to qualify for FMLA, resulting in lost insurance, etc. Does she have a chance, considering that she was employed at the same school for 23 years and two weeks with the new food service that took over?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Termination after Heart Surgery & Stroke
It is possible that there may be liability under a succcessor theory. I would recommend contacting the U.S. Department of Labor or an attorney in the area to explore this further.
Re: Termination after Heart Surgery & Stroke
I agree with the previous reply. There are specific provisions under the FMLA that make a successor emplyoyer lisble that are likely to apply in this situation. If you would like to discuss this situation further, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or at the phone number below.