Being fired from your job can have major impacts on your life, both now and in the years to come. In addition to the immediate loss of income and the stress it creates, it can impact your career prospects in general and future financial security. It is important to be aware that if you are fired for discriminatory or other illegal reasons, you may have the right to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Our Chicago wrongful termination attorney explains more about the problem and how you get compensation.
What is Wrongful Termination?
A wrongful termination is any type of illegal or improper firing. The Illinois Department of Labor (DOL) advises that we are considered to be an ‘at will’ employment state. This generally means that employers can fire you for any reason, or even no reason at all. However, there are certain practices that are prohibited. A wrongful termination generally occurs as a result of one of the following:
- Violations of employment contracts currently in place;
- Discrimination based on your age, disabled status, ethnicity or national origin, gender, pregnancy or other family reasons, race, religion, or sexual orientation;
- Retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as filing for unemployment or being involved in a whistleblower claim;
- For refusing to engage in activities that violate state or federal laws that are in place.
When you are fired for the above reasons or due to any type of wrongful termination, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against your employer and others involved.
Damages You May be Entitled to in a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Under the Illinois Statutes, when employers engage in discrimination or any type of wrongful behavior that violates your civil rights, they can be held liable in a civil lawsuit. This includes wrongful termination. Considering that it can impact your life in a variety of ways, there are different types of compensation you may be entitled to in a wrongful death lawsuit. Referred to as ‘damages,’ these include:
- Economic damages: These include actual costs you are likely to incur as a result of wrongful termination, including current lost wages and future losses in income and benefits;
- Non-economic damages: These include intangible costs, such as the stress and mental anguish a wrongful termination results in and the damage it may have caused your reputation.
- Punitive damages: This is an additional amount designed to punish your employer and prevent others from engaging in similar behavior.
Discuss Your Case With Our Chicago Wrongful Termination Attorney Today
Fired from your job? The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline can advise you on your rights in filing a wrongful termination lawsuit. To discuss your case, call or contact our Chicago wrongful termination attorney online and request a consultation today.