Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Naperville and Chicago, IL
Fighting for Our Clients' Legal Rights & Interests Throughout Chicago
Our Naperville wrongful termination attorneys are often asked: Can my boss fire me for that? Many people assume they were wrongfully terminated if their termination was unfair. But wrongful termination cases are very limited.
For personalized guidance regarding your case, call our office at (312) 818-2407 or complete a form. We offer free case reviews.
What Are the Wrongful Termination Laws in Illinois?
Illinois is an at-will state and, as such, an employee can generally be terminated from their position at any time for any reason, or for no reason at all. While this is the general rule, there are many exceptions that have fallen into the general category of wrongful termination lawsuits.
Common scenarios include:
- If an employee is terminated in retaliation for exercising his or her rights, or because of a protected characteristic—such as race, religion, sex, age, or disability.
- If an employee is terminated in retaliation for engaging in in whistleblower actions such as filing a workers compensation claim, reporting an employer’s unlawful conduct, and cooperating in a criminal investigation or governmental inquiry.
What To Do After Being Wrongfully Terminated
If you believe that your employer let you go illegally, as soon as possible, do the following:
- If you still have access to your work computer, send yourself copies of emails, documents, or screenshots that could be used as evidence. If you do not have access anymore, a wrongful termination lawyer may be able to compel an employer to release files later.
- Keep detailed notes related to your termination -- dates, meetings, names, quotes, and more.
- Ask your associates if they are willing to provide a statement
- Reach out to a skilled Chicago & Naperville wrongful termination attorney at Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C..
Do not hesitate to discuss your matter with a wrongful termination lawyer. At Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C. we advocate for the rights of employees.
Call Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C. at (312) 818-2407 to schedule an appointment. Our wrongful termination lawyers serve clients in Naperville & Chicago.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Termination Claim in Illinois?
If you were unjustly released from your position the amount of time you have to file a wrongful termination claim is dependent on the type of contract you have. If you had a written contract with your employer, you have 10 years to make a claim. If you had an oral agreement, then you have 5 years to make a wrongful termination claim. However, do not hesitate to talk to a Naperville & Chicago wrongful termination attorney -- it is better to act quickly so you and your attorney have time to create a strong case against your employer. Contact an attorney as soon as you can.
Understanding Your Rights as an Employee
As an employee, it is important to have a clear understanding of your rights in the workplace. At Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C., we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge about their legal rights and protections against wrongful termination.
Here are some key points to understand about your rights as an employee:
- At-Will Employment: Illinois is an at-will employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees for any reason, as long as it is not discriminatory or in violation of a contract or public policy.
- Discrimination Protections: Federal and state laws protect employees from being terminated based on their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics.
- Retaliation: Employers are prohibited from terminating employees in retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting workplace discrimination or harassment, filing a workers' compensation claim, or participating in a union.
- Contractual Protections: If you have an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, it may provide additional protections against wrongful termination.
- Filing a Claim: If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to act promptly. In Illinois, you generally have 300 days from the date of termination to file a claim with the appropriate government agency.
By understanding your rights as an employee, you can better protect yourself and take appropriate action if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated. Our experienced wrongful termination lawyers in Naperville and Chicago are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights and interests.
How to Prove Wrongful Termination
If you have a wrongful termination case, you must be able to prove that your employer wrongly released you from your position. Evidence such as emails, statements from witnesses, performance reviews, recorded meetings, and more may be used.
Be sure to act quickly and speak with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer serving Chicago & Naperville, IL as soon as possible. Waiting too long may make it more difficult to contact your former associates for statements and access paper trails and records that may strengthen your wrongful termination case.
Our Naperville & Chicago Attorneys Are on Your Side!
If you are wrongfully terminated, it is important that you contact an employment lawyer to avoid waiving the right to bring your lawsuit. All employment claims have a time limitation in which you must either make an appropriate complaint with a governmental agency (for example the EEOC) or to file a lawsuit. Some of the deadlines to file a wrongful termination claim are very short.
Request your case review by completing our online form or calling us directly at (312) 818-2407.