FMLA Retaliation Attorneys in Garden City, NY 

Denied a Promotion or Fired After Medical Leave? That’s Retaliation—and It’s Illegal 

You took medical leave because you needed it. Now, your boss is treating you like a problem. Maybe they demoted you, cut your pay, or even fired you. That’s not just unfair—it’s illegal. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your right to take unpaid leave for medical or family reasons without retaliation.  

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how frustrating and stressful this is. As one of the best law firms in America we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Our Garden City employment lawyers are read to help you push back, demand accountability, and get the justice you deserve.  

Your Right to Family & Medical Leave: Don’t Let Your Boss Trick You 

The FMLA gives you up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for medical issues, family care, childbirth, or adoption. In New York, you’ve got even more protection with New York Paid Family Leave that gives you job security and continued health coverage. 

Think you qualify? Here’s the breakdown: 

• You work for a covered employer – This includes private employers with 50+ employees, public agencies, and schools. 
• You’ve worked there for at least 12 months – These months don’t need to be consecutive, but gaps of seven years or more don’t count. 
• You’ve logged at least 1,250 hours in the past year – That’s about 24 hours per week. 
• Your workplace has at least 50 employees within 75 miles – This rule makes sure small offices of big companies are covered. 

And don’t forget: New York Paid Family Leave offers paid leave, so you don’t have to choose between your health and your paycheck. 

Retaliation Red Flags: Is Your Boss Trying to Push You Out? 

When you return from medical leave, things should go back to normal. But sometimes, employers retaliate in sneaky (or not-so-sneaky) ways. Look out for these warning signs: 

• You get fired or demoted. Your position magically “disappears” right after your leave. Suspicious? Absolutely. Illegal? You bet. 
• Your pay or benefits take a hit. A sudden salary cut or lost health insurance isn’t a coincidence—it’s retaliation. 
• You’re stuck in dead-end tasks. Suddenly, you’re given low-level work that doesn’t match your skills. They want you to quit. 
• Your performance reviews tank. Before your leave, you were great. Now, out of nowhere, your reviews say otherwise. 
• Your workplace feels hostile. Are you being ignored? Left out? Harassed? They’re trying to make you miserable. 

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it—and you don’t have to put up with it. Our FMLA retaliation attorneys are here to help you hold your employer accountable. 

How to Prove FMLA Retaliation and Get Justice 

You know something’s wrong. Now, you need proof. Here’s what helps build a strong case: 

• Your FMLA approval records – Emails, HR forms, or any official paperwork proving you had legitimate leave. 
• Signs of retaliation – A demotion, unfair write-ups, or pay cuts shortly after your leave. The timing matters. 
• Damning emails or comments – If your boss complained about your leave or made negative remarks, that’s gold. 
• Past performance reviews – If your performance was solid before leave but suddenly drops, that’s a red flag. 
• Coworker testimony – If others noticed your treatment changed, their statements can back you up. 

Our skilled Garden City labor lawyers can help gather evidence and put together a powerful case to get you the justice you deserve. 

Lost Wages? Lost Job? Here’s What You Can Win 

Retaliation has real consequences, but the law is on your side. You could recover: 

• Back pay – Get reimbursed for lost wages, benefits, and bonuses from the time of the retaliation. 
• Front pay – If going back to that job isn’t an option, you may be compensated for future lost wages. 
• Emotional distress damages – If your employer’s actions caused severe stress, anxiety, or depression, you could receive compensation. 
• Legal fees – Employers who violate FMLA often have to pay for your legal costs. 

And if your employer knowingly broke the law? They could owe you even more in penalties. 

Feeling Targeted After Medical Leave? Take Action Now 

If your workplace has turned hostile since you got back, don’t wait. Here’s what you should do: 

1. Keep records. Save emails, write down incidents, and document any retaliation. 
2. Report it. File a complaint with HR. If they ignore it, you’ll have proof they failed to act. 
3. Call a lawyer. Don’t go it alone. An attorney can protect your rights and take legal action if necessary. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Garden City lawyers know how to fight back against workplace injustice. 

Time’s Ticking—Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Claim 

If your employer retaliated against you for taking FMLA leave, you don’t have forever to act. The clock is ticking, and waiting too long could mean losing your chance at justice. 

An experienced FMLA retaliation attorney can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with wrongful termination due to FMLA or a hostile work environment, we’re here to help. At Horn Wright, LLP, we fight for employees in Garden City, NY, who’ve been mistreated. 

Let’s hold your employer accountable. Contact our Garden City office today for a FREE consultation. We’re ready to fight for you.