Chronic Health Conditions
Our attorneys can demand your medical leave
Severe, chronic health conditions can take a serious toll on individuals and their families. That’s why many people choose to take unpaid time off for medical reasons. Fortunately, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows individuals to take time off for chronic health conditions.
But actually getting the time off can sometimes be a challenge. If you have encountered resistance at work and your employer has refused your request for unpaid time off covered by the FMLA, don’t simply take their word for it. Talk to an employment attorney and learn more about your rights.
Our Ohio employment law attorneys at Gibson Law, LLC thoroughly understand the rules and regulations and can advise you on what to do next. We have extensive experience dealing with legal cases involving medical leave and FMLA. As your legal team, we can answer any questions you might have and work with you to build the strongest possible legal case.
Does the FMLA cover chronic health conditions?
Some people might think the FMLA only applies to one-time, serious health or medical conditions such as caring for a sick family member or a newborn child. But the reality is the FMLA – and its central feature, which allows people to take up to 12 weeks off unpaid for medical reasons during a 12-month period – also applies to chronic, long-term health conditions.
That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney if you are unable to take time off from work for a chronic medical condition covered by the FMLA. A lawyer can also help if you have been wrongfully terminated or punished in some way simply for taking time off for medical reasons.
What are chronic health conditions?
Chronic health conditions covered by the FMLA and its unpaid medical leave provision can cover a wide range. The key issue is your medical condition must adhere to the following three rules:
- Your condition requires medical treatment at least twice a year.
- Your health condition is expected to continue for an extended period of time.
- Your health condition periodically leaves you in a medical condition in which you are unable to work.
Some of the chronic medical conditions that meet these criteria include:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
Chronic health conditions can wreak havoc on people’s lives. Make sure you can take the time off from work you need for your medical condition. Make sure you speak with a lawyer and learn more about your rights and legal options.
Can my employer deny medical leave for a chronic health condition?
In theory, your employer should not be able to deny your medical leave request if your chronic medical condition meets the rules and requirements spelled out in the FMLA. But just because you can take time off – including intermittent leave – that doesn’t mean your employer will actually allow you to do so.
Worst of all, your employer will likely hire a lawyer to defend their actions and discredit your unpaid medical leave request. That’s why it’s important to have an attorney on your side, speaking out on your behalf and demanding the time off you need and deserve for your chronic medical condition.
Demand the time you’re entitled to under FMLA. Contact us
Don’t underestimate the complexity of your legal case. Make sure you take your case seriously right from the start. Attorneys Bradley L. Gibson and Angela J. Gibson previously represented employers in a wide range of employment law cases. As a result, we know the strategies companies and their lawyers often use to justify their actions. Now, we put our knowledge exclusively to work for workers just like you.
Take the next step. Contact us for a consultation with a member of our legal team at one of our two Ohio offices in Cincinnati or Dayton.