Can my employer lay me off because I have a knee replaced?
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Can my employer lay me off because I have a knee replaced?
I’m a 73 year old disabled veteran, 50 via VA, I have been working as a maintenance man/Manager for the same company for the past 6 years. Last May the condo hired a management company, they kept all the former employees on staff but over the time they have fired 3 employees. My problem is that I need a knee replaced, my supervisor has informed me that since he will need someone to fill in for me that they are hiring another person to replace me, and once I’am ready to return to work I will no longer have my job, but I could be considered for work with this company if one is open. Mainly
they are telling me since I need to have surgery I will no longer have my job. They will no doubt replace me with a younger person. Is this legal?
Asked on March 20, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You can be fired or terminated for missing work, even for a medical reason, unless:
1) You had accrued and use sufficient Paid Time Off (PTO) as to cover the absence; and/or
2) Your employer is covered by FMLA (has at least 50 employees located within a 75-mile radius), you are eligible for FMLA (have worked at least 1 year there; have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months), and you use FMLA unpaid leave for the absence (you get up to 12 weeks).
If you do use PTO or FMLA, they have to restore your job when you come back--if they don't, contact the state or federal department of labor, or speak with a private employment law attorney about suing.
But if you miss work without covering *all* absences by PTO or FMLA, they may terminate or replace you. The law does not make employers keep employees who miss work without using PTO or FMLA.
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