So to start my father had a massive stroke, then 3 smaller strokes. While he was infirm I stayed in the hospital with him, using up most of my sick days. This started a month into my employment. I work for a police department in VA. In April, three and a half months into my employment, my father had a massive heart attack and was in the hospital for 14 days. I was scheduled for 8 of the days my father was in the hospital. I called out of work, because my father is a military veteran and has PTSD surrounding hospitals, and it brought him comfort for me to be there. I was also able to get him small parts of his care faster than the overburdened nurses would be able to like bed pans, water, food, new blankets and changing the sheets. I would sit in the hospital with him most of the day, but every other day I’d go home to shower and change clothes.
Here’s the problem. I was called into a meeting with my manager and director. At no time was I informed my job was in danger and I was continually told to take the time off I needed. I kept in touch with my supervisor and manager, and neither even said anything about needing documentation either. Today I called in, to continue caring for my father, and I was transferred to my manager. She told me she was not sure what would happen regarding the future of my employment. Should I get a lawyer?