Such leaves are permitted in the event of a serious illness of the employee or family member, or the birth or placement (through adoption or foster care) of a child. The law applies to employers having 50 or more employees and to employees who have worked for the employer for a minimum of 1,250 hours during the prior year. Charges of discrimination against those taking leave under the Act (or by those prevented from taking leave under the Act) can be filed with the Department of Labor, which investigates and enforces claims. In addition, an employee can sue their employer individually. Such claims are covered by employment practices liability (EPL) policies.