{"id":2161,"date":"2020-05-20T12:35:13","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T20:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/?page_id=2161"},"modified":"2026-11-04T08:19:09","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T15:19:09","slug":"abogado-de-la-ley-de-licencia-medica-familiar-de-los-angeles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"Abogado de la Ley de Licencia Familiar y M\u00e9dica en Los \u00c1ngeles y Beverly Hills, CA"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#Can_I_be_fired_for_taking_medical_or_family_leave_in_California\" >Can I be fired for taking medical or family leave in California?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#Does_my_employer_have_to_give_me_family_or_medical_leave\" >Does my employer have to give me family or medical leave?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_can_I_take_leave_for\" >What can I take leave for?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#Is_family_and_medical_leave_paid\" >Is family and medical leave paid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_are_my_rights_when_I_return_from_leave\" >What are my rights when I return from leave?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_counts_as_a_leave_violation\" >What counts as a leave violation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_other_leave_laws_protect_California_employees\" >What other leave laws protect California employees?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_should_I_do_if_my_leave_rights_were_violated\" >What should I do if my leave rights were violated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#How_long_do_I_have_to_file_a_claim\" >How long do I have to file a claim?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#What_compensation_can_I_recover\" >What compensation can I recover?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_hire_Rise_Law_Firm\" >How much does it cost to hire Rise Law Firm?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#Why_employees_choose_Rise_Law_Firm\" >Why employees choose Rise Law Firm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/#Contact_our_Los_Angeles_family_and_medical_leave_lawyers\" >Contact our Los Angeles family and medical leave lawyers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"rlfp\">\n<p><em>Reviewed by <a href=\"\/eliot-j-rushovich\/\">Eliot J. Rushovich<\/a>, Managing Partner, Rise Law Firm, PC. Last updated October 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"rlfp-band rlfp-light\"><div class=\"rlfp-intro\"><div class=\"rlfp-intro-text\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_be_fired_for_taking_medical_or_family_leave_in_California\"><\/span>Can I be fired for taking medical or family leave in California?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>No. If you are eligible, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) give you up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave a year to recover from a serious health condition, care for a seriously ill family member, or bond with a new child. Your employer may not deny eligible leave, interfere with it, or fire or punish you for requesting or taking it. Rise Law Firm represents employees only, never employers, and handles these cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.<\/p><p>If you were denied leave or punished for taking it, call <a href=\"tel:+13107286588\">(310) 728-6588<\/a> or <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> to request a free, confidential consultation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-intro-art\"><svg role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" viewBox=\"0 0 360 300\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M20 260 H340\" stroke=\"#9AA4B1\" stroke-width=\"2\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M110 75 H250 V250 H110 Z M150 62 H210 V90 H150 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M180 125 V195 M145 160 H215\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"6\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M135 220 H225\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-7468 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Family-Medical-Leave-Act-Attorney-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Family Medical Leave Act Attorney\" width=\"752\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Family-Medical-Leave-Act-Attorney-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Family-Medical-Leave-Act-Attorney.jpg 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 752px) 85vw, 752px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_my_employer_have_to_give_me_family_or_medical_leave\"><\/span>Does my employer have to give me family or medical leave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Under California law, probably yes. Since 2021, CFRA applies to employers with <strong>5 or more employees<\/strong>. You are eligible if you have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months before the leave.<\/p>\n<p>The federal FMLA applies only to employers with 50 or more employees, and only if at least 50 employees work within 75 miles of your worksite. Many employees of smaller businesses are protected by CFRA even though the FMLA does not apply. When both laws apply, the leave usually runs at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>For a more detailed explanation of eligibility, intermittent leave, health coverage during leave and the right to return to work, read our <a href=\"\/california-cfra-leave\/\">guide to CFRA leave in California<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_I_take_leave_for\"><\/span>What can I take leave for?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul class=\"rlfp-list\">\n<li>Your own serious health condition, including recovery from surgery or a hospital stay, or ongoing treatment<\/li>\n<li>Caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Under CFRA, this includes a child of any age, spouse, domestic partner, parent (including a parent-in-law, stepparent, foster or adoptive parent, legal guardian, or anyone who raised you as a child), grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or another person you designate<\/li>\n<li>Bonding with a new child after birth, adoption or foster placement. Parents who work for the same employer are each entitled to their own 12 weeks under CFRA<\/li>\n<li>Certain needs arising from a family member&#8217;s military deployment<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_family_and_medical_leave_paid\"><\/span>Is family and medical leave paid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>CFRA and FMLA leave is unpaid, but your employer must continue your group health coverage during the leave on the same terms as if you were working. You may be able to receive partial pay through California State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave, and you may be able to use accrued sick leave or vacation. Those programs replace income. CFRA and the FMLA are what protect your job.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_my_rights_when_I_return_from_leave\"><\/span>What are my rights when I return from leave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>When your leave ends, your employer must return you to the same position or a comparable one with equivalent pay, benefits and working conditions. An employer may not demote you, cut your pay, change your schedule to push you out, or eliminate your position because you took leave.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_counts_as_a_leave_violation\"><\/span>What counts as a leave violation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>There are two main kinds of claims:<\/p>\n<div class=\"rlfp-grid rlfp-two\"><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 6 L54 14 V30 C54 44 44 54 32 58 C20 54 10 44 10 30 V14 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M22 32 l7 7 l13 -15\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Interference.<\/p><p>The employer denied leave you were entitled to, discouraged you from taking it, counted protected leave against you under an attendance policy, or failed to restore you to your job.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 8 V56 M18 56 H46 M12 18 H52\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M12 18 L4 36 H20 Z M52 18 L44 36 H60 Z\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Retaliation.<\/p><p>The employer fired, demoted, disciplined or otherwise punished you because you requested or took leave. As with other retaliation claims, timing is often the most important evidence. See our page on <a href=\"\/los-angeles-retaliation-attorney\/\">retaliation<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>If your own health condition is also a disability, your employer may have separate duties to accommodate you and engage in the interactive process. See our page on <a href=\"\/los-angeles-ada-disability-discrimination-lawyer\/\">disability discrimination<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-cta\"><p>Recognize your situation? Tell us what happened.<\/p><a class=\"rlfp-btn rlfp-btn-navy\" href=\"\/contact\/\">Request a free consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_leave_laws_protect_California_employees\"><\/span>What other leave laws protect California employees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"rlfp-grid rlfp-two\"><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M16 12 H48 V56 H16 Z M26 8 H38 V16 H26 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M24 30 H40 M24 39 H40 M24 48 H33\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Pregnancy disability leave.<\/p><p>Up to four months of leave for disability related to pregnancy or childbirth, at employers with 5 or more employees, in addition to CFRA bonding leave. See our page on <a href=\"\/los-angeles-pregnancy-discrimination-lawyer\/\">pregnancy discrimination<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M10 16 H54 V54 H10 Z M10 26 H54 M22 10 V20 M42 10 V20\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M20 36 H28 M36 36 H44 M20 45 H28\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Paid sick leave.<\/p><p>At least 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave a year. See our page on <a href=\"\/california-paid-sick-leave-lawyer\/\">paid sick leave<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M8 24 L32 10 L56 24 Z M14 28 V50 M26 28 V50 M38 28 V50 M50 28 V50\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M6 54 H58\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Bereavement leave.<\/p><p>Up to 5 days after the death of a family member.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 8 a24 24 0 1 0 0.01 0 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 18 V32 L42 38\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Reproductive loss leave.<\/p><p>Up to 5 days after a miscarriage, stillbirth, failed adoption or surrogacy, or unsuccessful assisted reproduction.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_I_do_if_my_leave_rights_were_violated\"><\/span>What should I do if my leave rights were violated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ol class=\"rlfp-ol\">\n<li>Keep copies of your leave request, your employer&#8217;s response, and any medical certification you provided.<\/li>\n<li>Keep track of dates, who you spoke with, and what was said, especially any comments about your leave.<\/li>\n<li>Keep documents you are lawfully entitled to have, such as performance reviews and pay records. Do not take confidential company materials.<\/li>\n<li>Request your personnel file and payroll records (Labor Code sections 1198.5 and 226).<\/li>\n<li>If you were fired, do not sign a severance agreement or release before speaking with an employment lawyer.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_I_have_to_file_a_claim\"><\/span>How long do I have to file a claim?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"rlfp-table\"><table>\n<thead><tr><th>Claim<\/th><th>Deadline<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td>CFRA interference or retaliation<\/td><td>3 years to file with the California Civil Rights Department, then 1 year after a right-to-sue notice to file a lawsuit<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Federal FMLA claims<\/td><td>2 years, or 3 years if the violation was willful<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Wrongful termination in violation of public policy<\/td><td>2 years<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Claims against a public employer<\/td><td>A government claim generally must be presented within 6 months<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>These are general rules, and the facts of your case can change them. Contact us as early as possible so that no deadline is missed.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_compensation_can_I_recover\"><\/span>What compensation can I recover?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Under CFRA, which is enforced through the Fair Employment and Housing Act, an employee may recover:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"rlfp-list\">\n<li>Lost wages and benefits (back pay) and future lost earnings (front pay)<\/li>\n<li>Damages for emotional distress<\/li>\n<li>Punitive damages when the employer acted with malice, oppression or fraud<\/li>\n<li>Attorney&#8217;s fees and costs<\/li>\n<li>In some cases, reinstatement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Under the federal FMLA, recovery is limited to lost wages and benefits, interest, an equal additional amount as liquidated damages in most cases, reinstatement or other equitable relief, and attorney&#8217;s fees and costs. Emotional distress and punitive damages are not available under the FMLA, which is one reason California claims are usually brought under CFRA.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-sec\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_hire_Rise_Law_Firm\"><\/span>How much does it cost to hire Rise Law Firm?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Nothing up front. We handle leave cases on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. You can <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> to request a free, confidential consultation.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-band rlfp-dark\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_employees_choose_Rise_Law_Firm\"><\/span>Why employees choose Rise Law Firm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"rlfp-grid rlfp-two\"><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 6 L54 14 V30 C54 44 44 54 32 58 C20 54 10 44 10 30 V14 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M22 32 l7 7 l13 -15\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">We represent employees only.<\/p><p>We never represent employers, and we are prepared to take cases to trial when that is what it takes.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M32 8 V56 M18 56 H46 M12 18 H52\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M12 18 L4 36 H20 Z M52 18 L44 36 H60 Z\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Harvard educated lawyers trained at national law firms.<\/p><p>Managing Partner <a href=\"\/eliot-j-rushovich\/\">Eliot J. Rushovich<\/a>, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, began his career at O&#8217;Melveny &amp; Myers LLP. Partner <a href=\"\/lisa-watanabe-peagler\/\">Lisa M. Watanabe-Peagler<\/a> practiced in the Labor and Employment group at Epstein Becker &amp; Green, P.C., where she represented employers, which gives our clients direct insight into how companies defend these cases.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M16 12 H48 V56 H16 Z M26 8 H38 V16 H26 Z\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M24 30 H40 M24 39 H40 M24 48 H33\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">Recognized by our peers and our clients.<\/p><p>Eliot J. Rushovich and Lisa M. Watanabe-Peagler have each been selected to Southern California Super Lawyers for 2022 through 2027. Mr. Rushovich holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Our clients consistently give us five-star reviews.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"rlfp-card\"><svg class=\"rlfp-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M10 16 H54 V54 H10 Z M10 26 H54 M22 10 V20 M42 10 V20\" stroke=\"#141A23\" stroke-width=\"2.5\"><\/path><path class=\"d\" pathLength=\"1\" d=\"M20 36 H28 M36 36 H44 M20 45 H28\" stroke=\"#D82C18\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"rlfp-ct\">A record of results.<\/p><p>We have secured millions of dollars for our clients. See our <a href=\"\/results\/\">case results<\/a>. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you were fired during or shortly after medical leave, read our article on <a href=\"\/fired-on-medical-leave-california\/\">being fired on medical leave in California<\/a>. If you live or work in Long Beach, see our <a href=\"\/long-beach-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/\">Long Beach family and medical leave page<\/a>. For an overview of the cases we handle, see our <a href=\"\/los-angeles-employment-lawyer\/\">Los Angeles employment lawyer page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For how CFRA compares with the federal law, see our <a href=\"\/fmla-california\/\">guide to the FMLA in California<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rlfp-band rlfp-light\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contact_our_Los_Angeles_family_and_medical_leave_lawyers\"><\/span>Contact our Los Angeles family and medical leave lawyers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Call <a href=\"tel:+13107286588\">(310) 728-6588<\/a> or <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us online<\/a> to request a free, confidential consultation. Our office is at 8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Consultations are by appointment, and we represent employees throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n \"mainEntity\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"Can I be fired for taking medical or family leave in California?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"No. If you are eligible, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) give you up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave a year to recover from a serious health condition, care for a seriously ill family member, or bond with a new child. Your employer may not deny eligible leave, interfere with it, or fire or punish you for requesting or taking it. Rise Law Firm represents employees only, never employers, and handles these cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. If you were denied leave or punished for taking it, call (310) 728-6588 or contact us to request a free, confidential consultation.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"Does my employer have to give me family or medical leave?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Under California law, probably yes. Since 2021, CFRA applies to employers with 5 or more employees. You are eligible if you have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months before the leave. The federal FMLA applies only to employers with 50 or more employees, and only if at least 50 employees work within 75 miles of your worksite. Many employees of smaller businesses are protected by CFRA even though the FMLA does not apply. When both laws apply, the leave usually runs at the same time.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What can I take leave for?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Your own serious health condition, including recovery from surgery or a hospital stay, or ongoing treatment Caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Under CFRA, this includes a child of any age, spouse, domestic partner, parent (including a parent-in-law, stepparent, foster or adoptive parent, legal guardian, or anyone who raised you as a child), grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or another person you designate Bonding with a new child after birth, adoption or foster placement. Parents who work for the same employer are each entitled to their own 12 weeks under CFRA Certain needs arising from a family member's military deployment\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"Is family and medical leave paid?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"CFRA and FMLA leave is unpaid, but your employer must continue your group health coverage during the leave on the same terms as if you were working. You may be able to receive partial pay through California State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave, and you may be able to use accrued sick leave or vacation. Those programs replace income. CFRA and the FMLA are what protect your job.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What are my rights when I return from leave?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"When your leave ends, your employer must return you to the same position or a comparable one with equivalent pay, benefits and working conditions. An employer may not demote you, cut your pay, change your schedule to push you out, or eliminate your position because you took leave.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What counts as a leave violation?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"There are two main kinds of claims: Interference. The employer denied leave you were entitled to, discouraged you from taking it, counted protected leave against you under an attendance policy, or failed to restore you to your job. Retaliation. The employer fired, demoted, disciplined or otherwise punished you because you requested or took leave. As with other retaliation claims, timing is often the most important evidence. See our page on retaliation. If your own health condition is also a disability, your employer may have separate duties to accommodate you and engage in the interactive process. See our page on disability discrimination.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What other leave laws protect California employees?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Pregnancy disability leave. Up to four months of leave for disability related to pregnancy or childbirth, at employers with 5 or more employees, in addition to CFRA bonding leave. See our page on pregnancy discrimination. Paid sick leave. At least 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave a year. See our page on paid sick leave. Bereavement leave. Up to 5 days after the death of a family member. Reproductive loss leave. Up to 5 days after a miscarriage, stillbirth, failed adoption or surrogacy, or unsuccessful assisted reproduction.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What should I do if my leave rights were violated?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Keep copies of your leave request, your employer's response, and any medical certification you provided. Keep track of dates, who you spoke with, and what was said, especially any comments about your leave. Keep documents you are lawfully entitled to have, such as performance reviews and pay records. Do not take confidential company materials. Request your personnel file and payroll records (Labor Code sections 1198.5 and 226). If you were fired, do not sign a severance agreement or release before speaking with an employment lawyer.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"How long do I have to file a claim?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"CFRA interference or retaliation: 3 years to file with the California Civil Rights Department, then 1 year after a right-to-sue notice to file a lawsuit. Federal FMLA claims: 2 years, or 3 years if the violation was willful. Wrongful termination in violation of public policy: 2 years. Claims against a public employer: A government claim generally must be presented within 6 months. These are general rules, and the facts of your case can change them. Contact us as early as possible so that no deadline is missed.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What compensation can I recover?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Under CFRA, which is enforced through the Fair Employment and Housing Act, an employee may recover: Lost wages and benefits (back pay) and future lost earnings (front pay) Damages for emotional distress Punitive damages when the employer acted with malice, oppression or fraud Attorney's fees and costs In some cases, reinstatement Under the federal FMLA, recovery is limited to lost wages and benefits, interest, an equal additional amount as liquidated damages in most cases, reinstatement or other equitable relief, and attorney's fees and costs. Emotional distress and punitive damages are not available under the FMLA, which is one reason California claims are usually brought under CFRA.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"How much does it cost to hire Rise Law Firm?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Nothing up front. We handle leave cases on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. You can contact us to request a free, confidential consultation.\"\n   }\n  }\n ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reviewed by Eliot J. Rushovich, Managing Partner, Rise Law Firm, PC. Last updated October 2026. Can I be fired for taking medical or family leave in California? No. If you are eligible, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) give you up to 12 weeks of job-protected&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/los-angeles-family-medical-leave-act-attorney\/\">read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2161","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Los Angeles FMLA and CFRA Leave Attorney | Rise Law Firm<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you need a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) attorney in California, contact our Family Medical Leave Act lawyers in Los Angeles &amp; Beverly Hills, CA.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riselawfirm.com\/es\/abogado-de-la-ley-de-licencia-medica-familiar-de-los-angeles\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Los Angeles FMLA and CFRA Leave Attorney | Rise Law Firm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you need a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) attorney in California, contact our Family Medical Leave Act lawyers in Los Angeles &amp; 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