Employment Law Attorney in Rockford, IL

Fighting to Protect Your Rights in Florida, New York, Illinois, Colorado & Throughout the U.S.

Various state and federal laws protect the labor rights of employees in all industries across the country. When business owners or large corporations violate these rights, you are entitled to take legal action.

At USA Employment Lawyers, our lawyers based in Rockford, IL represent clients throughout the state of Illinois, as well as across Colorado, Florida, New Mexico & New York. Whether your employer has failed to pay you the proper minimum wage or overtime, you've been the victim of illegal tip practices, or you have concerns about your employer violating your biometric privacy rights, we can help.

We offer creative, personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique goals. From there, our employment lawyers work to achieve a swift, favorable resolution on your behalf. We are prepared to serve as your aggressive advocate, both in and out of the courtroom.

Browse our various practice areas to learn more about how we can help you, or get in touch with our legal team to discuss the specifics of your case.

Employee Wage & Hour Rights

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), originally passed by Congress in 1938, requires employers throughout the United States to pay minimum wage and further protects employees who work over 40 hours a week. The FLSA allows employees to sue a business and its owner when they are not being paid minimum wage or overtime. If you believe you have not been paid minimum wage or overtime, it is important to hire an experienced employment lawyer who can help you recover all of your lost wages.

If you are a tipped employee, your employer must notify you that your tips are being counted toward minimum wage. Your employer is still required to pay you the equivalent of minimum wage each hour, and they are required to keep track of all of the hours that you work.

It is against the law for your employer to fire you or demote you if you complain to your boss or sue your employer for not being paid minimum wage or overtime. The law provides employees with protection, allowing you to continue working for your employer even if you have sued them for not paying minimum wage or overtime.

Is Illinois an At-Will State? 

Yes, Illinois is an "at-will" employment state, which means that, absent a contract or a specific law to the contrary, either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all. 

This means that in Illinois, employers have significant discretion when it comes to making decisions about hiring, firing, promotions, demotions, and other employment-related matters. However, it's important to note that there are some exceptions to at-will employment in Illinois, such as when an employee is fired for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for engaging in protected activity. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as an employee under Illinois law, it's always a good idea to consult with an experienced employment law attorney.

Does Illinois Have Family and Medical Leave Laws?

Yes, Illinois provides family and medical leave laws for eligible employees. The Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act enables employees to use accrued sick leave benefits to care for immediate family members, which includes children, spouses, siblings, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, and grandchildren.

Additionally, Illinois has the Illinois Family Military Leave Act, which allows employees with a family member deployed in the armed forces to take up to 30 days of unpaid leave during a 12-month period.

Illinois employers are also subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for specific family or medical reasons.

It's essential to understand these laws and your eligibility to ensure you can take advantage of the leave options available in Illinois.

How Can I Report Labor Law Violations in Illinois?

Reporting labor law violations in Illinois typically involves contacting the appropriate state or federal agencies responsible for enforcing employment laws. Here are the basic steps:

• Identify the Violation: Clearly identify the specific labor law violation you believe your employer has committed, whether it's related to minimum wage, overtime, discrimination, safety, or other issues.
• Speak with Your Employer: In some cases, it's helpful to discuss the issue with your employer first to address concerns or misunderstandings. Many violations can be resolved through communication.
• Contact the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL): If you can't resolve the issue with your employer, you may contact the IDOL, the state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws in Illinois. They can provide guidance on how to proceed.
• File a Complaint with Appropriate Agencies: Depending on the nature of the violation, you may need to file a complaint with specific agencies. For example, you can report wage and hour violations to the IDOL, while discrimination complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Retain Documentation: Keep records of any evidence related to the violation, such as pay stubs, emails, witness statements, or photographs. This documentation can be crucial in supporting your case.
• Seek Legal Counsel: If the violation is severe or your employer retaliates against you for reporting it, you may want to consult a Rockford employment law attorney who specializes in employment law. They can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Remember that reporting labor law violations is your right, and you are protected from employer retaliation for doing so. Get in touch with a qualified employment lawyer in Rockford at USA Employment Lawyers.
How Our  Rockford, IL Employment Law Firm Can Help You

At USA Employment Lawyers, we assist employees with a variety of employment law disputes, including protecting your biometric privacy rights, and  wage and hour issues. Contact us to determine if you have a class action lawsuit.

Our employment attorneys based in Broward County have extensive experience navigating this complex area of law. We understand just what is at stake, which is why we work to achieve fast, favorable outcomes for each and every one of our clients.