FMLA trap to avoid: Dodging the coverage-by-estoppel bullet

Employers have to meet thresholds before they’re required to comply with most statutes. For example, the FMLA applies only to organizations that employ 50 or more employees within 75 miles. But smaller employers can effectively render themselves covered by the FMLA if they make certain representations about FMLA coverage to their employees. If they say the FMLA applies, then it does. That’s commonly referred to as coverage-by-estoppel.