Lakeview, IL Employment Lawyer for Employers

Skilled Employment Lawyer Representing Employers in Lakeview, Illinois

As an employer or business owner, you will likely end up taking on employees to support your daily operations and expand your company. While this represents a major opportunity for growth, it also comes with some risks. Employees are protected under different state and federal laws, and if you are accused of violating those protections, you could face significant legal penalties. To protect yourself from costly lawsuits and claims, consider working with a skilled Lakeview, Chicago employment law attorney.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we have years of experience handling employment law claims. Attorney Timothy Cameron has provided clients with strong corporate counsel and helped in cases involving complex litigation.

Discrimination Claims in Employment

In Illinois, claims of discrimination are handled by the Department of Human Rights (IDHR). The IDHR prohibits employers from engaging in discriminatory practices in "hiring, selection, promotion, transfer, pay, tenure, discharge, and discipline." You can be charged with employment discrimination if you are accused of treating employees unfairly on the basis of race, sex, national origin, age, marital status, and sexual orientation, among many other categories.

A charge filed through the IDHR can be resolved through mediation, potentially allowing the parties to reach a settlement without the need for an extensive investigation. Agreeing to a settlement does not mean that you are admitting guilt. However, if mediation fails, an investigation will begin, which could end with a formal hearing to determine whether or not the employee was discriminated against. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, you could be ordered to pay for various damages. Note that a claim filed through IDHR may also be filed through the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to avoid duplicating work.

Retaliation Claims for Employers in Lakeview, Chicago

When an employee alleges discrimination in the workplace, you cannot take adverse action against them, which is referred to as retaliation. In turn, an employee can file a retaliation charge through IDHR. Examples of retaliation in response to a complaint may include:

• Firing an employee
• Reducing an employee's hours without good justification
• Intimidating or harassing an employee
• Micromanagement
• Creating a hostile work environment for the employee

If it is found following an investigation and a hearing that you retaliated against your employee, you could be ordered to provide certain remedies, like reinstating the employee in their prior position or covering their legal fees. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can help you contest a claim of retaliation in court, fighting to protect your rights and business interests.

How Can I Defend Against Claims of Discrimination in Illinois?

If you have been accused of discrimination as an employer, we can meet with you to discuss your strategy and pursue a dismissal of the charge. There are multiple arguments that you could take to defend against a discrimination claim, depending on your circumstances.

One possible argument against a discrimination claim is to assert that you had a legitimate reason for your actions not grounded in discrimination. For example, if you fired an employee based on a documented history of absenteeism and lateness, you could refute the claim that they were fired based on prejudice.

In other cases, there simply might not be enough evidence to support the employee's charge. The burden is on the employee to bring forward substantial proof of discrimination, and if their case is not compelling enough, IDHR could dismiss the complaint.

Our employment law attorney will work with you individually to determine the best defense given the facts of your case. We will do everything we can to mitigate risk and loss when faced with a discrimination complaint.

Contact a Lakeview, Chicago Employment Law Attorney

Have you been accused of engaging in discriminatory practices? If so, do not hesitate to reach out to Cameron Law Center, LLC. Our Lakeview employment law attorney is here to look out for your best interests. Call our offices at 312-489-8638 or reach out to us online today.