What Rights Are Protected by The Whistleblower Act?
Feb. 11, 2022
The state of Illinois recognizes 'at will' employment. This means that any employer there can fire a worker for any reason whatsoever. It may sound unfair, but there are certain exceptions to this rule. One of those falls under The Whistleblower Act.
What is The Whistleblower Act?
The act was introduced to protect and reward employees who expose corrupt employers, wrongdoings, and other fraudulent behavior and practices in their workplace. It also protects them against retaliation from disgruntled employers. The act applies to all employers in the state, whether they have one employee or several, and it also covers both state and local government entities.
The Whistleblower Act protects employees who disclose information they think is evidence regarding:
Gross mismanagement.
Law, regulation, and rule violations.
Significant abuse of authority.
Significant waste of funds.
Substantial danger to public health or safety.
What Employers Cannot Do
You can hire a Chicago employment rights attorney to sue your employers if they:
Retaliate against you, or employees who refuse to participate in activities that violate fate and federal laws.
Adopt, or make rules, or policies that prevent workers from disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency.
Threaten retaliation or retaliate against workers who disclose information.
What Employees Can Claim in Damages
You can pursue damages from your employers if they are found guilty of any of the above-mentioned actions. Some of the damages you can claim with help from a Chicago employment rights attorney include the following:
Back pay for lost wages complete with interest.
Reinstatement to the job you had before the retaliation.
Damage compensation includes fees for expert witnesses, litigation costs, and attorney charges.
Filing a Whistleblower Claim in Illinois
You could file a lawsuit against retaliatory discharge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) if you were let go because of something you revealed to the authorities. However, it has to be done within 180 days of the retaliatory action. Do it well, and you can get the damages mentioned above.
A dedicated Chicago employment rights attorney can ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. For complaints regarding occupational safety and health, you need to contact the Illinois Department of Labor. Make sure you file it within 30 days of the retaliatory action. The department will investigate your claim and pursue legal action against your employer on your behalf.
Were You Fired Because You Complained? Contact the Law Office of Michael Smith
The last thing you should be worried about when you work is termination and harassment. A stress-free workplace is a fundamental right that no one should be able to take away from you, least of all your employer.
If you think you or someone you know has been the victim of workplace discrimination or retaliatory action because of your complaint, get in with the Law Office of Michael T. Smith & Associates today. Book a free consultation with us and start fighting for the outcome you deserve before it is too late. You only have a few years to do this before your claim is invalid in Schaumburg, IL.