Perez v. Salcedo Cargo Express, Inc.

**Worker Wins $77,000 After Being Wrongfully Fired for Taking Medical Leave** Juan Perez sued his former employer, Salcedo Cargo Express, after being fired for taking time off work under family and medical leave laws. Perez claimed the company violated his rights when they terminated him for using legally protected leave. The court ruled in Perez's favor and awarded him $77,074.32 in damages. The company failed to show up in court or defend themselves against the lawsuit, so the judge issued a default judgment. The award included back pay (wages Perez lost after being fired), front pay (future lost earnings), liquidated damages (additional penalty payments), and unpaid wages the company owed him. This case demonstrates important protections for workers who need medical leave. Under federal and state family medical leave laws, employees generally cannot be fired for taking time off for serious health conditions or to care for family members. When employers violate these rights, they can face significant financial penalties. Workers should know they have legal recourse if fired for taking protected medical leave, and employers who ignore lawsuits do so at their own risk.