The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a lot of questions when it comes to employee leaves of absence. The pandemic has been such a widespread and rapidly evolving problem that guidelines and employer plans have had to be adjusted repeatedly to accommodate the situations. Unfortunately, many employees who really do need to take a leave of absence due to the pandemic or the related illness are being denied. If this happens to you, it is important that you speak to a COVID-19 FMLA lawyer for advice. Here is a look at a few scenarios that should cause you to speak to an attorney for help. 

You have a family member with COVID-19, but your employer denies your leave request. 

If you have an immediate family member that has been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is only logical that you may need to take some time off of work to care for them. For example, if your spouse has been diagnosed and is having to quarantine themselves in one room in the home, they may need someone there to help them retrieve food or supplies as they are needed. If you apply to take a leave to care for your family member and get denied, it is best to talk to a lawyer for advice. 

You have terrible anxiety due to COVID-19, but your employer refuses to allow you to take time off. 

It is perfectly normal for individuals who struggle with anxiety to be even more alarmed during a pandemic. If the anxiety about getting out and going to work grows so intense that you need to take a leave of absence, this is something that your employer should be receptive and respectful of. Even if your leave does not qualify for FMLA leave, there may be other emergency leave options available that can help. Your employer should be aware of these programs and work to help you. If not, reach out to a COVID-19 FMLA lawyer for advice. 

You have been told to quarantine yourself, but the employer is not approving your leave. 

If you are at risk of having COVID-19 and your doctor or a medical professional instructs you to go into quarantine, this is something that should qualify you to take a short leave of absence from work. If you apply for a leave and get denied or if your position is at risk, contact an attorney to get help.