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FMLA Leave Denied — AI replacing my position without severance

Started by anon_contractor_OH · Jan 18, 2026 · 1,161 views · 23 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
AC
anon_contractor_OH OP

I'm in a difficult situation and trying to figure out my next steps.

AI replacing my position without severance. I've been dealing with this for about 16 months now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 4 years. My position is non-exempt and I do have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

Should I hire a lawyer for this or try to handle it myself?

AF
asking_for_friend_contractor_2022

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

DD
desperate_dev_2024

Have you tried reaching out to your state's attorney general? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

DN
DataPrivacy_Nerd

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 2-4 months to resolve. The key was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter.

TL
Mod_TermsLaw Moderator

I practice in this area. Here's my take on the legal issues.

There are several legal theories that could apply here. The strongest is probably the FMLA, which requires showing qualifying and covered.

Before taking legal action, consider sending a formal demand letter. In many cases, this alone resolves the issue.

NR
newbie_renter_today

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

ES
eComm_Seller_2022

I went through almost the exact same thing.

I ended up escalating to a supervisor/manager, which cost about $1-3 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

WE
worried_employee_TX

NAL, but from what I've read, you should send a written demand. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

OD
OpenSourceLawyer_Dan

I went through almost the exact same thing.

What worked for me was having everything documented. It took 3-6 months but was worth it.

FB
frustrated_buyer_IL

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

RM
RestaurantOwner_Miami

I've dealt with this before.

I ended up hiring an attorney to send the initial letter, which cost about $2-4 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

MA
MusicProducer_ATL

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 3-6 months to resolve. The key was having everything documented.

VA
VCAnalyst_SF

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up escalating to a supervisor/manager, which cost about $1-3 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

AF
asking_for_friend_trader_legal

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

WH
worried_homeowner_WA

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

SM
SeniorDevMike_PDX

I've dealt with this before.

In my case, it took about 4-8 months to resolve. The key was filing with the appropriate government agency.

AF
asking_for_friend_seller_2024

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

AF
asking_for_friend_freelancer_2023

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

SA
seeking_advice_contractor_NC

Have you tried reaching out to your state's consumer protection office? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

TA
TenantRights_Advocate

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

In my case, it took about 2-4 months to resolve. The key was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter.

AF
asking_for_friend_contractor_advice

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

DN
DataPrivacy_Nerd

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 3-6 months to resolve. The key was having everything documented.

SB
SmallBizOwner_NYC

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. I'd recommend being patient with the process instead.

DT
desperate_trader_2022

Have you tried reaching out to your state's legal aid society? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

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