Employment Discrimination / Wrongful Termination

Anesi, Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd.

While Illinois is an "employment at will" state, and employers have a great deal of latitude in terminating employees, there are laws in place that protect employees from discrimination and wrongful discharge. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and age, and in some cases, other specific categories.

Newly enacted in 2005 by the State of Illinois, sexual orientation has been added to existing anti-discrimination laws. Other laws prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee for filing a claim under the Workers' Compensation Act, or for "blowing the whistle" on an employer's illegal activity. An employment contract or handbook may also expand an employee's rights.

Employees must understand their rights in the work environment. Many federal, state, and even local laws prohibit discrimination and harassment in employment, but the legal requirements and procedures are exceptionally complicated. The lawyers at Anesi, Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd. are committed to guiding clients through these laws to determine if they have been victims of harassment, discrimination, a hostile work environment, or wrongful termination.

Contact us; we are here to investigate and litigate cases involving employment discrimination, wrongful discharge or retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim.

Anesi, Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd., with offices in Chicago, represents clients throughout the State of Illinois, in communities such as Joliet, Rockford, Aurora, Peoria, Kankakee, Rock Island, Wheaton, Champaign-Urbana, Ottawa and Springfield.