Illinois lawyers fight for clients in unwarranted dismissals
Because Illinois is an “at-will” employment state, you can be fired for no reason at all. But you cannot be fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination or retaliation. When an employer releases a worker from employment in violation of that worker’s federal or state rights, wrongful termination occurs. Illegal reasons for firing an employee include discrimination based on age, race, religion, nation of origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation, or retaliation for having performed a lawful, protected act. Termination in retaliation for engaging in protected activity such as filing a workers compensation claim or making complaints of illegal acts also violates the law. The attorneys at Goldman & Ehrlich are here to help you fight against your unwarranted dismissal, call us today at 312-332-6733 or contact us online.
Chicago wrongful termination lawyers assess your claims
At Goldman & Ehrlich, our employment lawyers review the circumstances of the perceived discrimination or retaliation to determine if your case has merit. Our Chicago employment attorneys help you file a complaint to your company’s human resources department when applicable, or file with an outside agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. We provide proactive representation to secure any benefits to which you are entitled, including:
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How you can prepare wrongful termination claims in Chicago
There are simple steps you can take to help Goldman & Ehrlich help you:
- Gather and retain relevant paperwork that is properly in your possession: emails or memos sent to you or by you, previous HR complaints you filed, notices showing changes to your salary and job title changes, performance reviews and other documents that can attest to your work habits and job performance.
- Obtain a copy of your personnel file as well as a copy of the company’s employee handbook.
Your Chicago wrongful termination attorney will review this information to uncover any violations of company policy that might strengthen your claim of wrongful termination.
Defending businesses that legally terminate employees
Even though Illinois is an “at will” state, an employer’s best defense to a charge of wrongful termination is to show just cause for the firing, such as:
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In the absence of clear documentation of any of these factors, and consistent discipline and treatment of other employees engaging in the same or similar acts, it can be difficult to defend the firing of an employee who may claim discrimination or retaliation. Goldman & Ehrlich consults with business to determine if and when termination is proper. We also defend terminations before administrative bodies and in court.
Contact our Chicago wrongful termination law firm
If you have been fired in violation of your legal rights, or your represent a business charged with wrongful termination of an employee, call Goldman & Ehrlich at 312-332-6733 or contact our Chicago office online.