and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of specificed protected characteristics, both in Westchester and elswhere in the state. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Westchester can be held liable under various state and federal laws.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

An employer will be found guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a class that is legally protected. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with are: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Westchester, Illinois plaintiff must show that his (or her) employer actively intended to treat him differently because of his 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. Furthermore, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Procedures for pursuing an employment discrimination claim are complicated, because they involve filing the claim with the corresponding agency. An Westchester, Illinois attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.