This is an interesting story and one that I can't say I've heard before: A father is suing his employer for not being allowed to take leave while his wife suffered from postpartum depression. In this case, the fatheris Jeff Colletti,a correctionsofficerwith the Nassau (NY) County Sherriff's Department. He states that he requested some time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act because his wife was suffering severe PPD — she was hospitalized three times — but his request was denied. He is now suing for $100 million.
We will have to keep watch on what happens in this case …
How can this suit be taken seriously. When the amount of damage is so huge! Family leave does apply in cases of depression. Working hours can be changed or altered for child care, Why would this case , need this high an award! There must be a whole lot more to this story!
$100 mill may be a lot, but what the HECK was the sheriff's office "thinking"? The law says you have to have worked 12 months for the company, and 31.5 weeks that year (or previous?). It is unpaid leave.
If your spouse is in the hospital (which she was), someone has to take care of the baby. This is a family right, in this family policy unfriendly country. It's worth fighting for. I do hope the 100 mill doesn't overshadow the basic case.
I am not sure if this will actually change the public perception about PPD or do some other good service. This is basically a man telling his employers that he wanted time off, for a valid reason, and because he didn't get it, he is going to screw them. Unfortunately I am totally not in favour of this kind of legal battles. Reinforces the shark lawyer image in my mind 🙁
While I agree that 100 mil is excessive (and I'm not in favor of these types of legal battles either) – this just goes to show how misunderstood PPD and other related illnesses are. That's the sad thing about this situation.
I agree the amount it huge but to break some ground it has to be big. I hope he wins its horrible how employers treat there employees when it comes to PPD. He needs to be there for his wife and family not be there for his job. Family first sorry….