For additional information regarding the criterion for inclusion or membership for lawyer associations, awards, & certifications click image for link.

FMLA & NJFLA Interference and Retaliation Claims

Protection Under the Federal Family Leave Act and New Jersey Family Leave Act

FMLA Interference Claims Both the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) make it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the rights provided under those Acts and/or withhold the benefits provided for by the Acts. 29 U.S.C. § 2615; N.J.S.A. 34:11B-9. The elements of a cause of action under these Acts are: (1) plaintiff was employed by defendant; (2) plaintiff was performing satisfactorily; (3) a qualifying member of plaintiff's family was seriously injured; (4) plaintiff took or sought to take leave from her employment to care for her injured relative; and (5) plaintiff suffered an adverse employment action as a result. Depalma v. Building Inspection Underwriters, 350 N.J. Super. 195, 213 (App. Div. 2002). A plaintiff can prove an employer's unlawful intent through circumstantial evidence by proving that the wrongful motive was a substantial or determinative factor in the discharge decision. Id. at 214. See also Parker v. Hahnemann Univ. Hosp., 234 F. Supp. 2d 478 (D.N.J. 2002).

The FMLA and NJFLA were designed to allow an employee to take medical leave for “the birth of a son or daughter of the employee.” 29 USCS § 2612(a)(1)(A); N.J.S.A. 34:11b-3(i). One of the leading goals of the FMLA and NJFLA is to accommodate the well-documented increase in the number of families in which all adults are employed outside the home. The Legislature found it necessary “to promote the economic security of families guaranteeing jobs to wage earners who choose to take a period of leave upon the birth . . . of a child or serious health condition of a family member.” N.J.S.A. 34:11B-2. Employers must post a conspicuous notice apprising employees of their rights and obligations under the NJFLA. N.J.A.C. 13:14-1.14(a).

Under the FMLA, violating employers are liable to the employee for damages including, but not limited to, “any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to such employee by reason of the violation” as well as interest, liquidated damages, equitable relief and attorney’s fees. The FMLA mandates that liquidated damages in the amount equal to back pay and interest be awarded effectively doubling the plaintiff’s economic damages. Once the employee has established that the employer interfered with her FMLA rights, the employee need not make an additional showing to obtain liquidated damages. The language of the FMLA makes plain that any employer who interferes with an eligible employee’s FMLA rights “shall be liable” for liquidated damages.

For violations of the NJFLA, a prevailing party may be entitled to the leave time that was denied. A complainant may also be entitled to damages for pain, humiliation, and emotional distress caused by the employer’s actions; restoration of employee benefits that the complainant would have received but for the employer’s actions; out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the denial of leave; punitive damages in an amount up to $10,000, and an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

If you believe you have been denied the benefits provided by the federal Family Medical Leave Act or the New Jersey Family Leave Act, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Mashel Law, L.L.C. Mashel Law located in Marlboro, New Jersey, is dedicated exclusively to protecting the rights of employees.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
When I discovered Mashel Law, I was not sure that my case would be handled with such outstanding diligence. This firm offers : Competence, Professionalism, and Courtesy, a very important factor that is often missing in professional interaction. Excelsior! B.D.
★★★★★
It's good luck to meet Elizabeth. She helped my husband's unemployment case through really tough time. She is very helpful, professional and knowledgeable. We couldn't make it without her big help. Thank you so much again. J.Y.
★★★★★
This law firm is amazing, great staff, would recommend this firm to friends and family. Thanks you for all your hard work. M.R.
★★★★★
Staff and lawyers at Mashel Law did an outstanding job in helping with legal issues. They are professional, knowledgeable and well versed in the employment laws. Extremely satisfied and highly recommend the firm. Thank you. M.T.
★★★★★
From start to finish this firm was amazing. During a real difficult time in my life they made my case feel like it was a top priority. I can't thank them all enough. Great job! I would highly recommend this firm. C.B.