Massachusetts Family & Medical Leave & PFML Attorney

Taking time off work to care for yourself or a loved one is a right, not a luxury. Massachusetts
has some of the strongest laws in the country to protect workers who need medical leave.
However, understanding the difference between state and federal programs can be confusing. If
your boss tells you “no” or treats you differently because you need leave, an MA Family &
Medical Leave lawyer can help you protect your job and your paycheck.

When you need an FMLA attorney in Boston and the surrounding areas, Gordon Law Group is
here to help. We work with our clients and fight for them when it matters the most.

Understanding PFML and FMLA in Massachusetts

There are two main sets of rules that protect your time off in Massachusetts:

1. PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave): This is a state law. Most workers in MA can
   get up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave for their own health and up to 12 weeks of paid
   family leave to bond with a new child or care for a sick relative. In 2026, the maximum
   weekly pay for this leave is $1,230.39.
2. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): This is a federal law. It applies to companies
   with 50 or more employees. It gives you 12 weeks of unpaid time off. While it doesn’t pay
   you, it guarantees that your job will be waiting for you when you get back.

In most cases, these two run simultaneously. This means if you take 12 weeks off, you are
using your 12 weeks of federal FMLA and your 12 weeks of state PFML at once.

When Your Employer Can Wrongfully Deny Leave

Even though these laws are clear, some employers still try to deny leave requests. A company
might be breaking the law if it:
● Claims it is too small: Almost all Massachusetts employers must comply with PFML,
even if they have only one employee.
● Says you haven’t worked there long enough: Unlike FMLA, which requires a year of
work, PFML only requires that you have earned at least $6,300 (as of 2026) in
Massachusetts over the last year

● Gives you the runaround: If your boss keeps asking for more paperwork that isn’t required or ignores your request until it’s too late, they may be wrongfully denying your rights.
● Forces you to use all your vacation time first: While you can choose to use PTO to top off your pay, an employer generally cannot force you to exhaust all your sick days before letting you use PFML.

If your employer has done any of the above, it’s time to call Gordon Law Group and seek the
help of a Massachusetts PFML lawyer.

Retaliation for Taking Leave

It is 100% illegal for an employer to punish you for asking for or taking family or medical leave.

Signs of retaliation include:
● Being fired or “laid off” right after you ask for leave
● Having your hours cut or your shift changed to a less desirable time
● Being passed over for a promotion you earned
● Getting a bad performance review for the first time because you were “gone too much.”
In Massachusetts, if something bad happens to your job status within six months of you taking
leave, the law actually assumes it was retaliation. The employer then has to prove, with “clear
and convincing evidence,” that they had a different, lawful reason for their actions.

Filing a PFML/FMLA Claim in MA

Filing for leave should be simple, but mistakes can lead to delays. To file a claim correctly,
follow these steps:

1. Give 30 Days’ Notice: If you know you are having surgery or a baby, tell your boss at
   least 30 days before. If it’s an emergency, tell them as soon as you can.
2. Apply via the State Portal: Most PFML applications go through the Department of
   Family and Medical Leave (DFML) website.
3. Gather Your Documents: You will need your doctor to fill out a Certification of Health
   Condition form. You also need your employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number
   (EIN), which is on your W-2.
4. Appeal if Denied: If the state denies your claim, you have a limited time to file an
   appeal. This is where an MA Family & Medical Leave lawyer is most helpful, as they can
   represent you in a hearing.
   An MA Family & Medical Leave lawyer can explain the filing process so can clearly understand
   it.

How a MA Family & Medical Leave Lawyer Represents
You

You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your career. If your rights are being
ignored, our legal team is here to fight for you.

We help Massachusetts workers by:
● Reviewing Denial Letters: If your leave was denied, we look for errors the state or your
employer made.
● Fighting Retaliation: If you were fired or demoted, we hold your employer accountable
and fight to get your job back or secure a settlement for lost wages.
● Negotiating “Top-Offs”: We help ensure you are receiving the maximum pay possible
by coordinating your state benefits with your company’s private insurance or PTO
policies.
● Taking the Stress Away: Dealing with HR while you are sick or caring for a baby is
exhausting. We handle the legal talk so you can focus on your family.

If you are ready to fight for your legal rights under PFML and FMLA laws, it’s time to call a MA
Family & Medical Leave Lawyer at Gordon Law Group. Our team has the experience you can
trust. Call us today at 617-536-1800 or send us an online message to discuss your case.