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

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. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with include: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, a Winnebago County, 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 is shown upon finding a prior history of similar treatment of members of the same class, or upon testimony regarding the employer's statements that a reasonable person would understand to be biased. Furthermore, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with particular agencies. A Winnebago County, Illinois lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can help you in pursuing any available remedies.