Best Employment Lawyers in Bloomington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bloomington, Illinois?

  Call 309-820-8888 for a non-emergency dispatch from the Bloomington Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bloomington, Illinois?

  Police reports can be requested by sending an email to cityclerk@cityblm.org, submitting a fax to (309) 434-2628, and mailing it to 115 E. Washington St., Suite 103, Bloomington, IL 61701. These reports can also be collected in person during business hours at The Hub on the first floor of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Suite 103. You can also request online at https://bloomingtonil.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest.

• How can sexual harassment happen at work in Bloomington?

  Employees in Bloomington are expected to engage in sexually harassing conduct if they want to keep their employment. Some examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include repeatedly asking for sexual favor and offering work benefits in exchange for sexual favors. It can also be improperly touching someone or giving unwelcome remarks about another person's appearance.

• How can you find legal assistance for a Bloomington discrimination case filed at the Illinois Department of Human Rights?

  You can seek advice from Prairie State Legal Services regarding your discrimination case at the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Its Bloomington Office is at 201 West Olive Street, Suite 203, and can be reached at 309-827-5021 or 800-874-2536. The office offers counseling services from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM from Mondays to Thursdays. The local number must be used by first-time callers. Eligible callers may be able to get a referral or advice at once.

• Should you need to have an attorney with you for the hearing of a Bloomington wage claim?

  It depends on you. Having an attorney at the hearing is not required, but both parties are allowed to have one. The Illinois Department of Labor will not provide an attorney to either party. The IDOL processes thousands of other claims, which means your claim might take a long time or result in a less desirable outcome. An attorney in Bloomington can help you resolve your claim faster, get better results, and protect your rights.

• Can a Bloomington employee get compensation for being injured less than a week after starting the job?

  Yes. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, Bloomington employees can get coverage right from the moment they start their job. They can get compensation for injuries not incurred in the workplace but resulting from work-related activities, such as when on a business trip. Benefits that can be recovered from work-related injuries include medical treatment, payment of lost wages, and compensation for permanent disability.

• Is it lawful for an employer in Bloomington to withhold the last paycheck until an employee returns all company-owned things?

  No. An employer should not keep back an employee's last paycheck until they return company-owned things such as uniforms or tools. Similarly, employers in Bloomington should not deduct any amount from the pay when these things are not yet surrendered. If you think your employer unlawfully held your last paycheck, you may seek advice from the Illinois Department of Labor. Call (312) 793-2808 or send an email to OL.Wages@Illinois.gov for more details.

• What does an employment attorney do?

  Employment attorneys represent workers, companies, unions, and advocacy groups. Their primary job is preventing and resolving disputes related to state and federal employment regulations as well as civil rights. They assist with the development of policies, including laws and employee handbooks, and they represent clients in court and during administrative hearings overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state-level labor agencies.

• How much should I ask for in a discrimination lawsuit?

  Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination. When cases proceed to court, the average settlement is approximately $40,000. However, roughly 10% of claimants receive at least $1 million.

• How do I prove discrimination in the workplace?

  Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur. The following documents are often vital for proving workplace discrimination:

  • Personnel files
  • Payroll records
  • Employee handbooks
  • Diary or journal entries
  • Medical or mental health records
  • Reports from witnesses
  • Photos or video footage
  • Physical evidence

  
  

• Can I sue my company for a hostile work environment?

  Yes, offensive or unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment and affects your terms of employment may give you reason to take legal action. However, rude or abusive behavior on its own isn’t illegal. It must also be tied to other legal issues, such as retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination directed at members of a protected group.

• What is the EEOC?

  The EEOC is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It's a federal agency tasked with helping to enforce laws concerning discrimination in the workplace. Not all employers are covered under the EEOC. Typically, you have to work for an organization with at least 15 employees or for a labor union or agency to be covered by EEOC protections.

• How do I report an abusive boss?

  If you believe you're being discriminated against, you have several options. First, follow internal reporting procedures with human resources or other leadership. You can also file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Talking to an employment attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

• What laws protect employees from job discrimination?

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color.
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids sex-based compensation discrimination.
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability in terms of employment decisions.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1991 adds more protection and power to the federal government to enforce some of these laws.

• How do I file a wrongful termination claim?

  You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.

• What is unfair treatment at work?

  Unfair treatment is not the same as unlawful treatment. There aren't laws against unfair treatment, which can include a boss who generally bullies people into action or someone who doesn't make fair decisions about time off because of nepotism or mood. Such issues may not constitute a claim for a court argument or allegation, unlike unjust judgments made on the grounds of race or age. An employment attorney can clarify if unfair treatment is also unlawful.

• What are some workers\' rights related to injury and illness?

  Employees have a variety of rights related to time off if they're injured or fall ill. For example, in workplaces covered by the Federal Medical Leave Act, workers are allowed to take up to 12 weeks off without losing their position in a company. The leave is unpaid unless PTO time can be used to cover it. Employees may also have rights to file a workers' comp claim if they're injured on the job. All of these laws cover different situations and types of employers, and an employment attorney can help you understand what rights you have.

• Can an employer force you to work?

  This is a gray area in some cases, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations. But the burden of proof that this is, in fact, the case, can weigh heavily on the employee.