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Several laws protect workers in Madison County, Illinois from injustices like discrimination and wage disparity. These laws exist to maintain fair work environments for all employees. However, many workers do not understand their employment rights and may be subjected to mistreatment by employers or fellow employees.
If you are being discriminated or retaliated against, harassed, or paid unfairly, seek the counsel of a Madison County employment lawyer. Having a legal professional by your side can help you identify discriminatory acts when they occur and understand how to handle them.
Workplace Issues in Madison County
Too often, an employee does not recognize a discriminatory or harassing act until after the fact. When they do, they do not know the proper steps to take. Some common workplace incidents that all employees should be aware of include:
- Sexual harassment
- Gender discrimination
- Unequal pay
- Retaliation
- Defamation
- Contract violation
- Wrongful termination
- Physical injury
All of these violate an employee’s right to a safe, comfortable work environment. If someone experiences any of these issues at work, they should contact a legal representative in the area to discuss the situation and determine whether filing a claim is the right course of action.
When to File an Employment Lawsuit
An employee who is harassed or discriminated against may be able to file a lawsuit. The stipulations for filing depend on the issue the plaintiff intends to sue for and who they are suing. Filing a sexual harassment claim against a coworker will likely have a different protocol than an injury claim against an employer.
Victims of sexual harassment should file a claim with the Department of Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A workplace rights lawyer in Madison County could advise on how to begin the filing process.
Compensation in Employment Claims
If a claimant has the right to file a lawsuit for their workplace grievance, they could be eligible for various types of compensation. What gets awarded is based on the grievance and how much damage it caused the individual. If the suit succeeds, the plaintiff might receive repayment for:
- Legal fees
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Lost wages
- Psychological damage
- Emotional distress
- Decreased enjoyment of life
The plaintiff’s employer might also have to rectify the situation by adjusting internal operations to benefit employees, paying any wages owed to an employee waiting for back pay, reinstating wrongly terminated workers, or altering other policies. If the employer violated a contract between themself and the plaintiff, the court may also require them to meet the contract terms.
Some cases could be more challenging than others. Discrimination cases are typically harder to prove fault in compared to injury cases or harassment cases. Though it is impossible to know the outcome of any case before it is decided, a seasoned employment lawyer could guide people through the lawsuit process and help manage their expectations along the way.
Call a Madison County Employment Attorney Today
Filing an employment claim and trying to navigate the lawsuit process on your own can be tricky and overwhelming. Working with an attorney at our firm could ease the burden of uncertainty and help you fight for your rights with confidence. If you believe you have a valid workplace grievance, consult with a Madison County employment lawyer today.
