Syracuse, NY FMLA Retaliation Attorneys

Don’t Let Them Punish You for Taking Family Leave: Syracuse FMLA Retaliation Attorneys Are on Your Side

If you took time off to care for a sick child, parent, or your own serious health condition, only to face backlash at work, you deserve more than apologies. Our employment law attorneys in Syracuse, NY are fierce defenders when family leave turns into a nightmare. FMLA retaliation doesn’t just hurt paychecks, it undermines trust, health, and security.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we help Central New York employees stand up when bosses cross the line. We treat your family leave as what it is: a right under law, not a privilege. Let’s face that employer pressure together and regain your peace of mind.

FMLA Rights Are Non-Negotiable: We’ll Help You Enforce Them

When you took leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you had legal protection from retaliation. That includes returning to your former position or an equivalent one. The employer cannot demote you, slash your hours, or reward you with a cold shoulder simply for using this entitlement.

In addition to federal law, New York provides more protections. The New York State Paid Family Leave law makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against you for taking state-approved leave. It doesn’t matter if your employer is large or small—if they demoted you or passed you over for promotion because of your leave, the law may be on your side.

And don’t forget New York Labor Law § 740, which protects employees from retaliation when asserting legal rights. That covers FMLA and paid family leave. Serving Central New York families, we draw on these federal and state laws to hold employers accountable for unfair retaliation.

Signs They’re Punishing You for Taking Leave

Retaliation doesn’t always come with a pink slip. You might see demotions, performance write-ups, weird schedule changes, or negative evaluations that started right after you used your leave. That timing matters, and it matters to us.

• You returned from leave and got reassigned to a less favorable shift.
• You missed promotion opportunities or leadership chances that disappeared afterward.
• Your performance ratings dropped despite solid results.
• Responsibilities were stripped away without explanation.

These aren’t just disappointing management decisions, they may be unlawful retaliation. Our employment law attorneys in Syracuse dig into your records, evaluate the timing, and build a strong case around those facts.

How We Build a Solid FMLA Retaliation Case

We treat your story like the serious matter it is. That means evidence, documentation, and analysis, no guesswork or fluff.

First, we gather:

• FMLA and state leave approval forms, medical certifications, emails, and HR policies.
• Records of staffing changes, performance reviews, and communications after your leave.
• Comparisons to employees who didn't take leave but still kept opportunities or status.

Then, we match your experience to the law. FMLA retaliation is illegal under 29 U.S.C. § 2615. If your employer acted in a way that would deter a reasonable person from using family leave, that’s retaliation. We also use New York Paid Family Leave and Labor Law § 740 to expand your protections.

Once the groundwork is set, we file complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor and New York’s Department of Labor, and if needed, take legal action in federal or state court. Throughout, we keep you informed and empowered—this is your fight. We just help carry it.

Syracuse Families Count on Us for More Than Legalese

We know Syracuse. We know you. Whether you work at a hospital near Syracuse University, in the public sector downtown, or for a small business in Dewitt, we have seen these patterns firsthand. Our clients tell us they don’t want legal jargon, they want straight talk and strong support.

We listen. Then we act. We don’t just file paperwork. We talk directly with HR and management to pressure them into doing what’s right. And if they refuse, we’re ready to escalate. We’ve pursued successful claims in Onondaga County Supreme Court and federal court in the Northern District of New York. Leaving leave penalties unchecked isn’t an option.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

We start your case with a clear, no-nonsense plan:

• Intake meeting to map out your leave timeline and any negative actions taken after.
• Evidence collection: leave approvals, medical certifications, emails, performance reviews, notices of demotion or schedule change.
• Formal complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor and/or NYS Department of Labor, with deadlines of two to three years from the adverse action.
• Strong demand letter laying out your rights under FMLA, Paid Family Leave, and Labor Law § 740.
• Aggressive negotiation or litigation strategy, depending on the employer’s response.

We explain how long each step usually takes, what your outcomes might look like, and how we’ll work together to get results. We want you to feel in control, not lost in legal process.

FAQs: What You Need to Know About FMLA Retaliation

How long do I have to act?
You generally have two years to file a claim under FMLA. New York Paid Family Leave claims must be filed within two years of the retaliatory action. Labor Law § 740 gives you two years too.

Can I still assert my rights if I’m still employed?
Yes. Even if you stay on the job, you can file an administrative complaint or a civil suit. And your employer cannot fire you for doing that.

Can you help me even if I used the leave improperly?
Possibly. What matters is whether your employer retaliated, not just whether you used leave. We analyze the full context to determine your best path forward.

What to Do Right Now

You don’t have to sort this out alone. If your employer tried to penalize you for taking family or medical leave, talk to someone who knows how to fight back. Our employment law attorneys in Syracuse, NY will evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and map the path ahead.

Whether you work in healthcare, education, retail, or the public sector, we speak your language, and legalese when we need to. We guide you, step by step, fight for fairness, and aim to restore what you lost.

Conclusion: Family Leave Is a Right, You Deserve That's Protected

FMLA and New York Paid Family Leave exist to protect families, not punish them. We make sure your rights are respected. Horn Wright, LLP, takes on FMLA retaliation cases in Syracuse and wins real relief through justice, restitution, and accountability.

We take pride in being one of the best firms in America when it comes to protecting workers like you. If you want to hire one of the best law firms recognized nationwide, get in touch today – you’ve earned that right.

Let our Syracuse employment law team fight for your family and your rights—contact us now to begin.