Losing your job is difficult, but if you were fired illegally, you may have a wrongful termination claim. While Illinois is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire employees for almost any reason, there are important legal protections that prevent wrongful termination.
If you were fired for illegal reasons, Justice Legal Counsel can help you fight back. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
What Makes a Firing “Wrongful” in Illinois?
A firing is considered wrongful termination when an employer violates state or federal laws, employment contracts, or public policy.
Common Examples of Wrongful Termination
- Retaliation – Fired for reporting discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or workplace safety concerns
- Discrimination – Fired due to race, gender, disability, age, pregnancy, religion, or other protected characteristics
- Breach of Contract – Fired in violation of an employment contract that guarantees job security
- Violation of Public Policy – Fired for refusing to engage in illegal activity or for exercising legal rights, such as voting or serving on a jury
- Whistleblower Retaliation – Fired for reporting unlawful conduct to a government agency
- Taking FMLA or Medical Leave – Fired after requesting or taking medical or family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Workers’ Compensation Retaliation – Fired after filing a workers’ compensation claim for a job-related injury
Legal Protections Against Wrongful Termination in Illinois
Several state and federal laws protect employees from wrongful termination, including:
- Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.) – Protects workers from discrimination and retaliation
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000e) – Prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, religion, and national origin
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. § 12101) – Protects workers from disability-based termination
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.) – Protects employees who take medical or family leave
- Illinois Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174/1 et seq.) – Prohibits firing employees for reporting legal violations
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.) – Protects workers from retaliation for reporting unpaid wages or overtime violations
Proving a Wrongful Termination Case
To prove wrongful termination, you need evidence that your employer fired you for an illegal reason. Strong evidence includes:
- Emails, text messages, or performance reviews showing sudden changes after you filed a complaint or exercised a legal right
- Statements from supervisors or coworkers indicating discrimination or retaliation
- A timeline of events showing that the firing happened shortly after you engaged in a protected activity
- Company policies or contracts that were violated in your termination
- HR complaints or legal filings documenting past disputes with your employer
What to Do If You Were Wrongfully Fired
- Gather evidence – Save emails, termination letters, performance reviews, and any relevant communications.
- File a complaint – Depending on the claim, you may need to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Seek legal help – An attorney can help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, or sue your employer if necessary.
Justice Legal Counsel Can Help
If you were wrongfully fired, Justice Legal Counsel can help you:
- File claims with the appropriate agencies
- Negotiate settlements for lost wages and emotional distress
- Take legal action against your employer if necessary
You don’t have to accept an illegal firing without a fight. Contact Justice Legal Counsel today for a confidential consultation and protect your rights.