Both Illinois and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. In Machesney Park, 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. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Machesney Park, 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 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, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with particular agencies. A Machesney Park, Illinois lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.