Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Chicago, IL
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of federal, state, or local law, or in breach of an employment contract. At Liberum Law, our wrongful termination lawyers represent employees throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs who have been illegally dismissed from their positions.
Illinois is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason. However, there are critical exceptions. It is illegal to fire an employee based on their race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristic. Termination in retaliation for filing a complaint, reporting workplace safety violations, or exercising legally protected rights is also prohibited.
Our wrongful termination attorneys investigate the circumstances of your dismissal, gather evidence, and build a compelling case for compensation. We handle cases involving discriminatory termination under Title VII and the Illinois Human Rights Act, retaliatory discharge after whistleblowing or filing workers’ compensation claims, breach of written or implied employment contracts, violations of public policy, and constructive dismissal where working conditions were made intolerable.
Remedies in wrongful termination cases may include reinstatement to your position, back pay and front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages in egregious cases, and attorney’s fees. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances and legal basis of your claim.
Time limits apply to wrongful termination claims. EEOC charges generally must be filed within 300 days of the termination, and state court lawsuits have their own statute of limitations. Acting quickly preserves your legal options and strengthens your case.
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, contact our employment attorneys at Liberum Law for a free case evaluation. We will review the facts, explain your legal rights, and outline a strategy for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wrongful termination in Illinois?
Illinois is an at-will employment state — employers can generally terminate for any reason or no reason. "Wrongful" termination requires showing the firing violated a specific law: discrimination, retaliation, breach of employment contract, violation of public policy (e.g., firing for refusing illegal activity, jury service, or whistleblowing).
What's the deadline to file a wrongful termination claim?
Depends on the legal basis. Discrimination/retaliation: 300 days with EEOC or IDHR. Breach of contract: 5 or 10 years in Illinois depending on contract type. Public policy/whistleblower: varies by statute (often 1–3 years). Quick consultation lets us identify your strongest theory and deadline.
What damages can I recover for wrongful termination?
Possible recoveries: back pay (lost wages from termination to judgment), front pay (future lost wages), benefits (insurance, retirement, equity), emotional distress damages, punitive damages in egregious cases, and attorney's fees if statutorily authorized. We assess realistic recovery at consultation.
Do I have a case if I was fired without warning?
Lack of warning alone doesn't make termination wrongful in an at-will state. The reason matters more than the process. We evaluate the actual termination reason — was it discriminatory, retaliatory, in violation of a contract, or against public policy?
Should I sign a severance agreement after being fired?
Not before legal review. Severance agreements typically require waiving all claims (including ones you may not know about), agreeing to non-disparagement and non-compete clauses, and accepting reduced amounts. We negotiate severance terms and review releases — often a few hundred dollars in legal review pays back many times over.
