Losing a job is a stressful experience in its own right, but there is added stress if you were let go from your job unlawfully. If you have questions or concerns about any unpaid wages, last paychecks or bonuses, or severance agreements, contact an accomplished wrongful termination attorney from S.T. Legal Group to learn more about payment of wages in Deerfield wrongful termination cases.
Employees are protected from being fired wrongfully, and there are laws requiring former employers to disburse wages properly when a person’s employment comes to an end. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, reach out to our team for a free 30-minute case evaluation to see if we can help.
Illinois is an at-will employment state, meaning an employer can fire an employee for any reason or no reason, unless terminating their employment violates a law.
Wrongful termination occurs when someone is fired for an illegal reason. For example, if an employee is fired because of discrimination based on a protected characteristic like race, gender, age (40+), or disability, the employer terminated them wrongfully. Wrongful termination also includes firing as retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or other workplace violations. So, if an employee reports hazardous working conditions and then gets fired because of the report, the employer may be liable for wrongful termination.
Violating the terms of an employment contract also constitutes wrongful termination. If an employee has a two-year contract, but the employer terminates their employment after only one year, the employee might have legal recourse. Lastly, a person exercising legally protected rights like taking medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or filing workers’ compensation claims cannot be fired for doing so.
A Deerfield attorney could help determine whether you have a potential wrongful termination case and pursue appropriate legal remedies, such as payment of wages.
Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, 820 ILCS 115/5 states that employers must pay terminated workers for all earned wages. They must pay all final compensation as soon as possible and no later than the next regular payday. A final paycheck should include all hours worked as well as accrued vacation time. A former employee whose pay included commissions or bonuses could still be entitled to receive them. If an individual worked overtime and was not paid for it, they could have a claim for back pay under 29 United States Code §§ 201–219 (Fair Labor Standards Act).
If you believe that you have not received full payment for your hard work, speak with our legal team about wage recovery in Deerfield wrongful termination cases.
In many Deerfield wrongful termination cases, payment of wages is a key issue. When an individual does not get paid what they are owed, there are several legal remedies an attorney could help with. A lawyer could assist in filing a wage claim through the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). The IDOL responds by contacting the employer, prompting them to either pay the claim or dispute it. If the employer disputes the claim, the next step is a hearing in Court. Another legal option is having a skilled attorney negotiate a fair settlement with the former employer. Pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit may be necessary to recover unpaid wages and damages.
Payment of wages in Deerfield wrongful termination cases must be handled with care to ensure your rights are protected. You deserve to be paid for the work you have done. Our team at S.T. Legal Group has successfully handled cases dealing with unpaid wages after a wrongful termination. Having an experienced attorney who is dedicated to protecting the rights of workers is critical as our team could help you receive fair compensation. Do not hesitate to take action. Find out how we could help with a free consultation.
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