Discrimination Under Illinois Law
Both Illinois and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. In Springfield, government and private organizations may be held liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait the unfair treatment was originally based on.
How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?
If an employee is a member of a legally protected category and their employer treats them unfairly because of that, the employer will be held liable for employment discrimination. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers may not use when evaluating you. In Springfield, Illinois, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.
How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Illinois?
This may be demonstrated if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to specific statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard by a reasonable person. Further, an employer violates the law if they terminate a person's employment or otherwise retaliate in response to a discrimination lawsuit filed against them.
Because it involves filing a claim with specified agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Springfield, Illinois has many lawyers available to assist you in filing in a timely fashion, and they can also help you pursue any remedies that might be available to you while your case is being processed.
