Both Illinois and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. In Benton, government and private organizations can be held liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait the unfair treatment was initially based on.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

An employer will be deemed guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a category that is legally protected. Traits that employers can not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Benton, Illinois, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must show that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Illinois?

This can be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Additionally, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with particular agencies. Lawyers in the city of Benton, Illinois may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue further remedies that might be available for you.