Losing your job can be incredibly stressful, especially if you believe the reason you were let go was for an unfair reason. In Illinois, the employment-at-will doctrine allows employers to terminate employees at any time, for any reason, and without warning. This means that employees can also quit at any time for any reason. However, the reason has to not violate a law or a written contract.
When people are let go from their jobs without any explanation or feedback, they are understandably upset. While being fired after years of loyal service or being replaced by someone with a personal connection to management may feel wrong, it is important to recognize the common misconception that all unfair firings are illegal. Speak with our team today to learn more about common misconceptions about wrongful termination in the workplace.
Many people are unaware of what qualifies as unlawful termination. Wrongful termination is when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or because they are in violation of their contract. One major category is discrimination, which may include being fired based on characteristics, including:
Laws put into place, such as the American Disability Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), protect the positions of individuals with disabilities and individuals aged forty and older in the workplace.
Retaliation is another form of unlawful termination that occurs when negative action is taken against an employee for reporting illegal behavior or exposing discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Whistleblower and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laws are designed to protect individuals who report illegal or unethical activities to ensure that people can come forward with concerns in the workplace without the fear of negative consequences.
A breach of public policy occurs when actions violate fundamental principles or go against public interest. Employees are protected by law, ensuring that they can not be terminated for refusing to participate in illegal activities. This also goes for fulfilling their civic duties, such as serving on a jury.
The line of what counts and does not count as unjust termination can become blurry. By recognizing the scenarios below, we can understand the difference.
If you have been terminated for unwarranted reasons, make sure to act quickly, as there are deadlines in the state of Illinois for filing claims.
Experiencing unfair treatment at work can be challenging. If you suspect this situation has happened to you, taking these steps early on could help make a difference in your case:
In situations like these, our knowledgeable employment law attorneys at S.T. Legal Group may be able to help.
If you were wrongfully fired from your job, you may be wondering what to do next and if you have any legal recourse available. To speak with an experienced employment lawyer, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
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