FMLA Leave Denied — severance offer seems low

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

severance offer seems low. I've been dealing with this for about 6 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 7 years. My position is exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

What are the risks if I pursue this? What's the likely timeline?

Attorney here. Here's my take on the legal issues.

Based on what you've described, you likely have a viable claim under the FMLA. The standard is whether a reasonable person would find the conduct qualifying and covered.

I'd recommend documenting everything in writing from this point forward. Keep copies of all communications.

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

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

I went through almost the exact same thing.

I ended up filing with the appropriate government agency, which cost about $4-8 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

I went through almost the exact same thing.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Been there. Here's what I learned.

What worked for me was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. It took 2-4 months but was worth it.

I went through almost the exact same thing.

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

I've dealt with this before.

I ended up filing with the appropriate government agency, which cost about $4-8 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

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

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

I've dealt with this before.

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

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

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

What worked for me was escalating to a supervisor/manager. It took 1-3 months but was worth it.

I went through almost the exact same thing.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is escalating to a supervisor/manager. I'd recommend following the formal complaint procedure instead.

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