FMLA Lawyers Advocating for Columbus Workers

Facing FMLA discrimination in Columbus? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to fight this alone either. When an employer mistreats you for taking time off because you’re sick, or wrongfully terminates you after FMLA leave, it’s not just wrong—it’s a violation of your rights. At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, our FMLA discrimination lawyers are here to protect workers throughout Central Ohio.

Our law firm understands the toll this kind of treatment takes. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, caring for a family member, or managing a chronic condition, you should not be punished for doing what’s necessary. We take these cases seriously and offer free consultations with no upfront costs. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

From our Columbus office, we serve employees in Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, and Hilliard, as well as throughout Franklin County and nearby counties like Delaware (Delaware), Fairfield (Lancaster), Union (Marysville), Pickaway (Circleville), and Licking (Newark).

What Counts as FMLA Discrimination in Columbus Workplaces?

FMLA discrimination happens when an employer retaliates against an employee for taking or requesting leave under the Family Medical Leave Act. Under this federal law, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. You’re supposed to be able to heal, help your loved ones, or recover from childbirth without worrying about losing your job.

But too many workers in Columbus are harassed at work, demoted, or even fired just for using the protections they’re guaranteed under FMLA. Whether you said “Because I’m sick” or “Because I’m on FMLA,” and got punished for it, that’s discrimination.

Here’s what it can look like:

• A technician at a tech company in Dublin requested FMLA after a difficult pregnancy. Her boss responded with, “I thought we hired someone committed.” While she was recovering, her work email was deactivated. HR never responded to her messages. When she tried to return, her desk had been cleared.
• A forklift driver in Grove City had to take FMLA to care for his partner with ALS. His manager called him “soft” in front of coworkers and removed him from preferred shifts. He was later written up for “attendance issues” despite doctor’s notes. HR told him to “not make a scene.”
• In Reynoldsburg, a call center rep recovering from a heart attack was fired a week after returning from FMLA. The employer claimed “budget cuts,” but the same day they posted her position online. Her coworkers were shocked, and she never got a straight answer.
• A janitor for a state building near the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus took FMLA for surgery. While on leave, he kept getting calls from management asking for updates and pushing him to return early. One voicemail said, “Because you’re on FMLA, we’re drowning over here.” He was let go two days before his return date.
• A Hilliard school employee suffering from PTSD used FMLA to attend therapy. When she returned, her supervisor said, “You’re too unstable to be trusted with kids.” She was reassigned to a storage closet and denied further classroom access. Human resources did nothing.
• A warehouse worker in Lancaster had surgery on his shoulder. After notifying the company and submitting all paperwork, he got daily texts asking when he’d come back. One text read, “Because you’re on FMLA, we’re screwed.” He was fired while still on leave.
• A bank employee in Gahanna needed intermittent leave for chemotherapy. After weeks of snide comments and being left out of meetings, she was abruptly removed from her biggest accounts. Management claimed they were “making changes.” Her emails went unanswered. Eventually, she was forced out.

These stories are painful—and unfortunately, common. If your employer retaliated because you said, “Because I’m sick” or “Because I’m on FMLA,” we want to help you fight back.

What to Do If You’re Facing FMLA Harassment in Dublin, Gahanna, or Lancaster

First, protect yourself. Document everything—texts, emails, verbal comments. Take screenshots and save copies at home. If anyone at work witnessed the harassment or retaliation, ask them to confirm what happened via text or email. If you feel unsafe, prioritize your health and leave the environment.

Then, talk to an FMLA violation lawyer. Don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it can be to hold your employer accountable. At Spitz, we offer free consultations and are ready to explain your options clearly.

Get A Free Consultation  Call Us Today

Real Testimonials About FMLA Discrimination from Columbus and Beyond

Spitz Lawyer Stood By Me When I Was Fired After Medical Leave
I had to have a double mastectomy and took FMLA. The day I was supposed to come back, my badge didn’t work. Security said I wasn’t in the system anymore. No one from HR called. I was just erased. The attorney at Spitz didn’t let them get away with it. They fought like hell. – Shari R., Columbus, Franklin County, OH

Denied FMLA for Mental Health—Spitz Fought for Me
I was struggling with depression and needed time off to get treatment. My employer didn’t take it seriously and said, “It’s not like you’re dying.” They denied my FMLA request. I felt humiliated. I found a lawyer at Spitz who actually cared and took my case seriously. – Denzel B., Delaware, Delaware County, OH

Harassed During Chemo—Then Fired. Spitz Helped Me Get Justice
I worked in finance and needed regular chemo. I told my manager, and the tone instantly changed. They started assigning me low-level tasks and asked if I “still planned to work through this.” Eventually I was fired “for performance.” Spitz knew exactly what to do. – Leah T., Newark, Licking County, OH

My Supervisor Bullied Me for Using FMLA
My son was in a bad accident and I needed time off. I filed for FMLA and it was approved. But after that, my boss kept making comments like, “We all have problems.” I got pulled off key projects and excluded from team events. I called Spitz, and they listened. They didn’t just file paperwork—they showed up for me. – Tyrone W., Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH

Spitz Lawyer Called Out My Employer’s BS
I was written up twice during FMLA leave. Once for not attending a meeting—during my hospital stay. HR said it was just a misunderstanding. When I got fired, I had enough. I found Spitz online. My attorney didn’t sugarcoat anything—they just got results. – Jenna L., Marysville, Union County, OH

My Employer Harassed Me Because I Was Sick
I worked for a government contractor in Westerville. When I started taking time off for a chronic illness, I could feel the shift. My manager said, “Because you’re sick, you make everything harder for the rest of us.” I was pushed out fast. Spitz helped me turn that pain into power. – Caleb T., Westerville, Franklin County, OH

Get Employment Law Help from a Columbus FMLA Discrimination Lawyer

If you’ve been harassed at work, discriminated against, or wrongfully fired after taking FMLA leave, contact our law firm today. We’re located at 495 South High Street, Suite 400, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

If you’ve typed any of those into Google, you’re already worried for good reason. At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, we focus only on employment law—and we know what it takes to win. We’re one of the largest law firms in the U.S. dedicated to employee rights. Our attorneys have years of success taking on wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment cases. We never charge upfront, we keep you informed, and we fight until we get results. Whether you work for the state, in a university hospital, or stock shelves at a big box store—we’ve got your back.

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. If your employer denied FMLA, harassed you during leave, or retaliated after you said, “Because I’m sick” or “Because I’m on FMLA,” speak with an FMLA discrimination lawyer to understand your legal options under the Family Medical Leave Act and employment law.