Reviewed by Richard S. Swartz, Esq. | Updated April 2026 | Practice Areas: FMLA, NJFLA, Disability Accommodation, Wrongful Termination, Retaliation Most people who ask whether their employer can deny their FMLA request are already worried — they’ve submitted paperwork, gotten silence or pushback, and now they’re trying to figure out whether what they’re hearing is…
If you reported discrimination, filed a complaint, requested leave, or refused to participate in something illegal — and your employer responded by demoting you, cutting your hours, giving you negative reviews, or firing you — you may have a retaliation claim. But having experienced retaliation and being able to prove it are two different things.…
If your employer denied your FMLA leave request and pointed to missing or incomplete paperwork, that may not be a valid reason — even if the paperwork genuinely was not finished on time. What many employees don’t know is this: before an employer can deny FMLA leave based on incomplete documentation, the employer must follow…
I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary Employees taking FMLA leave during the holidays face unique risks of retaliation, including the denial of “attendance bonuses” and accusations of leave abuse. To avoid these pitfalls, employees should provide written notice of their leave needs as early as possible, avoid social media activity that contradicts their…
Taking time off work for a serious medical reason, whether for yourself or a loved one, is often a period filled with stress and uncertainty. The last thing any employee wants to worry about during such a time is whether their job will be safe or if they’ll face negative consequences from their employer. Questions…
Introduction You’ve worked hard, followed the rules, and when life throws a curveball-like a health crisis or a new baby-you trust your job will be waiting when you get back. But what happens if your employer punishes you for taking legally protected leave? If you’re feeling anxious about your rights or unsure what to do…
Introduction If you’re facing a serious health condition or need time off to care for a loved one, you may wonder whether your employer can legally deny your request for medical leave in New Jersey. While laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) provide protections,…
Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging, especially during major life events like childbirth, illness, or caregiving. Fortunately, the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) provides job-protected leave to help workers manage these situations without fear of losing their jobs. In 2024, significant updates were made to the New Jersey Family Leave Act, expanding…
The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) is a critical piece of legislation that provides employees with job-protected leave to care for their families. Recent updates to the NJFLA have expanded its reach, ensuring more employees can access these benefits while enhancing workplace protections. Understanding these changes is essential for both employees and employers. At…
Juggling a New Arrival and Work Demands? FMLA Can Help! Imagine this: You just welcomed a beautiful baby into the world. Excitement fills the air, but so do questions about work. Can you take leave to bond with your newborn and manage those late-night feedings? The answer, for many employees, is yes, thanks to the…