Call 619-940-5357 today or contact us to speak with an experienced employment attorney in San Diego, CA. If you were fired after taking medical leave, you may have powerful legal protections under California and federal law. Do not assume your employer’s decision was final. Call 619-940-5357 or contact us now for a confidential consultation with The Law Office of Devon K. Roepcke, PC .
Taking medical leave is not a luxury. It is often necessary for your health, your recovery, or to care for a loved one. Being terminated after doing so can feel like a betrayal. You followed the rules, notified your employer, and prioritized your well-being only to be shown the door.
If you were fired after taking medical leave in San Diego, you may have a claim under both federal and California law. Your rights depend on the type of leave you took, your employer’s size, and the circumstances surrounding your termination.
If you are unsure whether your rights were violated, call 619-940-5357 or contact us to review your situation.
Your Federally Protected Rights Under FMLA
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for a serious health condition or to care for a qualifying family member.
To qualify under FMLA:
- Your employer must have at least 50 employees
- You must have worked there for at least 12 months
- You must have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous year
If you meet these criteria, your employer cannot legally fire you for using protected leave. If they do, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to your position
- Back pay for lost wages
- Compensation for benefits you lost
- Additional damages in certain cases
If you were terminated during or shortly after medical leave, your employer must prove the decision was unrelated to your protected leave. If that explanation does not add up, legal action may be appropriate.
Call 619-940-5357 or contact us to determine whether your firing violated federal law.
California Law May Provide Additional Protection
California offers broader worker protections than many other states. Even if you do not qualify under FMLA, you may still be protected under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) if your medical condition qualifies as a disability.
Employers in San Diego are prohibited from:
- Terminating you because of a medical condition or disability
- Refusing reasonable accommodations
- Retaliating against you for requesting leave
- Creating a hostile work environment due to your health status
If your termination was tied to your medical condition, you may also have a claim for Wrongful Termination under California law.
Our firm handles a wide range of Employment Law services and can evaluate how federal and state protections apply to your case.
If your leave was connected to pregnancy or childbirth, you may also have protections under our Pregnancy Discrimination practice area.
Do not guess about your rights. Call 619-940-5357 or contact us for clarity and direction.
What to Do If You Suspect Retaliation
If you believe your employer fired you because you took medical leave, act quickly. Documentation is critical. Gather:
- Medical leave approval documents
- Emails or written communication with HR or supervisors
- Performance reviews before and after leave
- Termination letters or written explanations
Timing matters. Sudden termination immediately after returning from leave can signal retaliation. California and federal laws impose strict deadlines for filing claims, so waiting too long could limit your options.
At The Law Office of Devon K. Roepcke, PC , we carefully examine timelines, employer conduct, and inconsistencies to build a strong case. Call 619-940-5357 or contact us to protect your claim.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If your firing violated FMLA or California employment laws, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay for lost income
- Front pay if reinstatement is not possible
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Recovery of lost benefits
- Attorney’s fees
- Possible punitive damages
Imagine the relief of recovering the wages you depended on. Picture the stability of knowing your employer cannot push you aside simply because you needed time to heal. Legal action is not just about money. It is about accountability and protecting your future.
We Stand Up for Employees Across San Diego, CA
Losing your job while managing a medical condition creates emotional and financial pressure. You may feel uncertain about what comes next. You do not have to face this alone.
The Law Office of Devon K. Roepcke, PC represents employees throughout San Diego who have been unlawfully terminated after taking medical leave. We investigate the facts, explain your options clearly, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Your health should never cost you your career. Call 619-940-5357 now or contact us to take the first step toward protecting your rights and restoring your peace of mind in San Diego, CA.
Connect with us
