Call Us Today!
(312) 999-9999

Schedule a FREE
Consultation Today!

Contact Us

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Chicago Employment Law Firm

Employment LawHiring the right employment lawyer can be the difference between success and failure. Because the stakes are so high in employment law cases, employers will fight tooth-and-nail to avoid paying back pay, penalties, fines, fees, and attorney costs. Our employment law attorneys have been there and have successfully represented employees who need and deserve to get their money.

You worked for your wages in good faith; now, let us help you get you the pay you deserve.

Talk To An Employment Attorney Before Making Any Decisions

The decisions employees make while they are employed can have a great impact on the outcome of any labor complaint or employment lawsuit.

Employees may also file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor to get their unpaid wages. In order to file with the Illinois Department of Labor, employees must act within five years of when the original claim arose.

In some cases, lawsuits for unpaid wages and overtime on behalf of many employees may be brought as a collective action. A collective action can reduce employer retaliation, since an entire class of workers is involved in a lawsuit rather than a single employee.

Most clients have questions about the steps they need to take, if any, including:

  • What are my rights?
  • Do I have a legal claim?
  • What facts would support a legal claim?

While the federal minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 per hour, Illinois state law requires employers to provide a minimum of $8.25 per hour. In employment law cases involving wage and hour violations in Illinois, every employee is entitled to file a private and civil employment lawsuit to recover:

  • Unpaid wages
  • Penalties
  • Punitive damages
  • Attorneys fees and costs
  • Reinstatement

We Win Cases

$13,750,000
Settlement

A tuckpointer suffered a brain injury in a scaffold collapse.

$13,730,000
Settlement

A laborer suffered extensive burns over 80% of his body.

$11,000,000
Settlement

An ironworker fell from a one-story roof and was rendered a partial quadriplegic.

$10,730,000
Settlement

Chicago neighborhood exposed to toxic smoke from the ACME Barrel facility.

$10,050,000
Settlement

A carpenter was killed in a 100-foot fall into an elevator pit.

$8,500,000
Settlement

A carpenter was killed when he was struck by a beam after a wall collapsed.

$8,300,000
Verdict

A bricklayer fell thirty feet after an unsupported walking plank gave way.

$8,000,000
Settlement

A male driver sustained a traumatic brain injury after a truck from a major trucking company collided with his vehicle.

$8,000,000
Settlement

A union cement mason was fatally injured while trying to help an injured friend off a ladder on the friend’s property.

$8,000,000
Settlement

A union tuckpointer was fatally injured in a lift tipover accident.

$5,800,000
Settlement

A mother was the sole survivor of van crash succumbed to catastrophic injuries.

$5,500,000
Settlement

A mother and daughter suffered multiple injuries in an auto accident when another car disobeyed a stop sign.

$5,300,000
Settlement

An electrician was killed after sustaining burns in a switchgear explosion.

$5,290,000
Verdict

An electrical lineman suffered severe electrical burns at a construction site accident.

$4,650,000
Settlement

A laborer suffered a fatal accident at a construction site during a violent storm.

$4,500,000
Settlement

A sheet metal worker suffered multiple leg and facial fractures in a 20-foot fall off of an iron beam when he stepped on a bolt left by another contractor.

$4,500,000
Settlement

An ironworker sustained injuries when he fell 11 feet off a block wall.

$4,500,000
Settlement

A Local 1 ironworker agreed to settle his case as his attorneys were preparing to select the jury.

$4,450,000
Settlement

An Iraqi war veteran sustained fatal injuries after striking a pothole while riding his motorcycle in the City of Chicago.

$4,400,000
Settlement

A male driver suffered a fatal accident as a result of a semi-truck driver swerving his truck into west bound traffic and striking head-on the car of the victim.

$4,350,000
Settlement

A laborer suffered serious head injuries from an eleven-foot fall off of a job-built ladder on a construction project.

$4,100,000
Settlement

An electrician suffered a serious knee injury when a piece of construction equipment became dislodged in a trailer and fell onto his leg.

$4,050,000
Settlement

An electrician suffered severe electrical burns when an aluminum street light pole that his employer was installing hit a power line.

$4,030,000
Settlement

A temp agency employee had several fingers partially amputated while operating a power press at a fabrication plant.

$3,900,000
Settlement

An ironworker suffered multiple fractures from a 35-foot fall out of a lift truck while not using his safety lanyard.

$3,750,000
Settlement

The wife of a laborer who had fallen to his death in an unwitnessed construction incident settled her wrongful death lawsuit after the case was assigned to a trial judge and her attorneys were preparing to start the trial.

$3,750,000
Settlement

A laborer died following a construction fall.

$3,700,000
Settlement

An infant boy suffered an above the knee amputation due to the negligent acts of the hospital and a number of doctors.

$3,600,000
Verdict

A sheet metal worker suffered a mild, disputed brain injury in a fall from a 12-foot stepladder while connecting pieces of overhead ductwork. Final offer of settlement before trial was $250,000.

$3,600,000
Settlement

A carpenter suffered a fatal fall through metal decking due to another contractor partially cutting decking and leaving the area without barricades or warning.

$3,545,546.32
Binding Arbitration Award

A 66-year-old concrete laborer suffered a deadly fall while working on a housing development project.

$3,260,370.96
Settlement

A union ironworker suffered significant injuries to his right rotator cuff and left knee after falling at a construction site.

$2,550,000
Settlement

A union electrician sustained multiple orthopedic injuries after falling from a lift.

$1,900,000
Settlement

26 year old was killed in a devastating multi-car semi-truck collision.

$1,700,000
Settlement

A motorcyclist seriously injured his legs when he was struck by an SUV.

$1,250,000
Settlement

Three brothers were involved in a major car accident resulting in surgery and broken bones.

$1,200,000
Settlement

A union electrician suffered a non-displaced SLAP tear of the right shoulder in a residential construction accident.

$1,000,000
Settlement

A 3-year-old boy was tragically killed in a fire in a rental home with faulty electrical wiring.

$800,000
Settlement

Female passenger sustained a devastating ankle injury when a semi-truck made an improper left turn in front of her vehicle.

$600,000
Settlement

Attorneys Louis A Cairo and Bradley Barker helped the family of an 85 year old man receive compensation for injuries their father sustained while receiving live-in care.

$579,000
Settlement

A sheet metal worker suffered significant injuries and was eventually placed on permanent sedentary work restrictions.

$550,000
Settlement

GWC attorney Joel Block helped to secure more than $550,000 for the injuries sustained by a carpenter after he slipped off a roof while carrying building materials.

$540,000
Settlement

A 38-year-old union carpenter suffered a significant back injury while lifting an aluminum joist.

$500,000
Settlement

A 55-year-old construction worker required right shoulder replacement surgery after a jobsite fall.

$435,000
Settlement

An automobile driver sustained aggravation of preexisting degenerative neck condition that necessitated surgery.

$425,000
Settlement

A union foreman electrician sustained a neck injury with permanent work restrictions after moving a 1000-pound master bundle of pipes.

$398,000
Settlement

A 43 year old sheet metal worker sustained multiple injuries after falling at work.

$346,000
Settlement

A carpenter fell while at work and sustained a cervical injury. The settlement that GWC negotiated included a funds set-aside for Medicare.

$315,000
Settlement

Our client was a pipeline construction worker that seriously injured his back while lifting a pipe. He underwent numerous surgeries which eventually culminated in him needing a fusion and pain stimulator. GWC fought for and obtained $315,000 in compensation and also a provision for open medical treatment. Our client was also awarded permanent light-duty restrictions.

$315,000
Settlement

A construction worker handling heavy pipeline seriously injured his back while lifting a pipe. He required severla surgeries and eventually ended up requiring a fusion and pain stimulator. GWC workers’ compensation lawyer Corey Goldberg was able to successfully negotiate a $315,000 settlement in addition to paid medical expenses in the future.

$310,000
Settlement

A 39 year old laborer sustained a back injury that required two surgical procedures. The Petitioner found alternative employment out of state and took that employment opportunity. The employers’ physician disputed the Petitioner’s entitlement to benefits. GWC obtained $310,000 in compensation for our client.

$300,000
Settlement

Injured electrician and IBEW member. Employer disputed injured electrician’s need for a knee replacement and case went to trial. The injured electrician was awarded the surgery and his employer appealed. GWC lawyer Harris Elliott handled this case and negotiated a settlement shortly before oral arguments were set to take place.

$295,000
Settlement

An elderly woman was knocked down by a cab and sustained a broken leg.

$285,000
Settlement

Our client was a laborer that sustained a serious lower back injury that required surgery. The injury resulted in the movement abilities our client being permanently restricted. GWC obtained $285,000 for this injured laborer.

$280,000
Settlement

The team at GWC obtained $280,000 settlement for a 61 year old electrician that sustained a serious shoulder injury while lifting at work.

$278,000
Settlement

A 60 year old carpenter fell from a trailer while unloading work materials and injured his non-dominant left arm. While the Petitioner retired prior to settlement, GWC were able to secure a $278,000 settlement for the injuries he sustained.

$275,000
Settlement

An ironworker fell at work and injured his lower back that required a two-level disc replacement. In addition to the settlement, GWC was also able to negotiate and secure Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for the petitioner which ensured his eligibility for his Iron Worker Disability Pension.

$252,000
Settlement

A 58 y.o operating engineer fell of a ladder and was seriosuly injured. His injuries required three years of medical treatment and eventually, he could no longer fully perform his job tasks. Our client was planning on retiring on his 62nd birthday. GWC lawyer Corey Goldberg negotiated a $252,000 settlement and also additional stipulations that allowed this engineer to return to work on light duty.

$242,657.57
Award

A 60-year-old union carpenter injured his knee and back while working on a remodeling job.

$242,000
Settlement

A 39 year old local #1 laborer felt a pop while he was pulling up some carpeting on a job. His injury required a spinal fusion and resulted in permanent movement restrictions. GWC secured a $242,000 settlement for this injured laborer.

$240,800
Settlement

A stationary engineer slipped on a ladder and grabbed onto a pipe to prevent falling. Our client sustained a cervical injury that led to fusion surgery. The legal professionals as GWC obtained a $240,800 settlement for this client.

$225,000
Settlement

The foot of a laborer was run over by a co-worker that was operating a back hoe. The injuries to our client required multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy. We successfully recovered $225,000 for our client.

$225,000
Settlement

A sheet metal worker sustained a left wrist and hand injury while using a hammer drill.

$214,777
Settlement

A sheet metal worker suffered a lower back injury that resulted in permanent restrictions after two surgeries.

$210,000
Settlement

Our client was a carpenter that suffered a lower back injury that did not require surgery but resulted in permanent restrictions. GWC obtained a $210,000 settlement for this injured carpenter.

$185,000
Settlement

A man tripped over a broken parking block and sustained broken orbital bone.

$175,000
Settlement

A carpenter suffered a left shoulder injury that resulted in two surgeries and permanent restrictions. The lawyers at GWC obtained a $175,000 settlement for our client.

$174,243
Settlement

This case involved a machine operator that was tried and settled over a disputed wage loss due to restrictions that the operator had. GWC obtained $174,243 for this machine operator.

$147,000
Settlement

A window installed stepped off a customer’s porch and injured his left knee. His injury developed into arthritis which prevented him from returning to heavy work. GWC obtained a $147,000 settlement for this installers claim.

$140,000
Settlement

A 41 year old factory worker suffered a back injury while lifting work materials. Both the injury and the accident were disputed by the employer. GWC obtained a $140,000 settlement for our client.

$135,000
Settlement

A 40 year old iron worker fell from a faulty ladder while on a job site. GWC successfully obtained $135,000 for this injured worker.

$125,000
Settlement

The Petitioner – a CTA bus driver – accidentally ran over a pedestrian who fell into the bus path. The pedestrian was seriously injured, yet the Petitioner sustained no physical injuries, but suffered from PTSD. Petitioner was unable to return to work as a driver per his psychologist’s orders. Because of his readily transferrable skills, Petitioner was highly employable so there was no wage loss. GWC lawyer Donn LaHaie was able to settle the case for $125,000.

$120,000
Settlement

A 22 y.o worker that received her income mostly from tips broke her tib/fib in a work place accident. While the insurance company didn’t deny the claim, they did deny the amount of money that our client was making. GWC attorney Corey Goldberg was able to increase her income by more than $500 per week for each week that she was off work. This resulted in this injured worker taking home more approximately $100,000 tax free as a result of her injuries.

$100,000
Settlement

Our client fell on carpet in her own office. Prior to contacting GWC, the victim did not receive any compensation offer. After GWC lawyer Mr. Timothy Keiser took the case, he successfully obtained $100,000 on behalf of our client.

$100,000
Settlement

A policy limits settlement on behalf of a pedestrian that was struck by a car while crossing street at night.

$95,000
Settlement

On behalf of a woman who sustained wrist fracture falling into sinkhole on village parkway.

$85,000
Settlement

Our client is a spanish-speaking only teacher aide with a low rate who suffered a knee injury at work. Despite her low rate, GWCV lawyer Raul Rodriguez were able to get her a significantly sized settlement.

$81,000
Settlement

An over the road truck driver sustained a serious neck injury when his truck went over a bump on I-57 near Manteno, Illinois. The claims was completely disputed. Respondent had video graphic evidence disputing the severity of the bump. The case went to trial where GWC lawyer Donn LaHaie presented additional video graphic evidence showing the actual severity of the bump and completely discredited the Respondents witness on the issue of fraud and accident. The Arbitrator awarded over $71,000.00 in back TTD, nearly $10,000.00 in medical expenses plus prospective medical care.

$81,000
Settlement

Our client suffered leg injuries (no fractures) and was initially offered under $40,000. GWC injury lawyer Mr. Timothy Keiser took the case to arbitration and successfully negotiated $81,000 on behalf of our client.

$77,500
Settlement

On behalf of woman bit by dog. GWC accepted this case and was able to successfully negotiate a settlement of $77,500.

$77,000
Settlement

A Union Waste management driver suffered a labral tear and also developed issues in the elbow both of which required surgery. He returned to work full duty.

$62,500
Settlement

An employee of a staffing agency slipped on oil and tore his rotator cuff. After surgery, the injured worker was left with permanent medium duty restrictions. GWC took the case and attorney Harris Elliott successfully obtaining a settlement for almost four times the employer’s initial offer of $17,000.00.

Employer Retaliation

At GWC, our clients often come to us for legal assistance when they are sick and tired of being taken advantage of by their employers. Many clients have also delayed seeking legal help because they were afraid that their employer would retaliate against them by firing them, reducing their pay, or changing their hours and making work unpleasant.

Employers are prohibited from retaliation, and the first thing that our employment lawyers tell new clients is that their employer cannot retaliate against them for filing an employment discrimination lawsuit or a lawsuit for unpaid wages whether it is in Illinois civil courts or through the EEOC and the IDHR.

If the employer does attempt to retaliate, the employer will face new legal claims for violating state and federal laws that prohibit employer retaliation.

At GWC, our highly trained investigators lay the groundwork for our aggressive employment lawyers. In some cases, when an employer is clearly engaging in widespread violations, we find that representing multiple employees who all have the same claims is the best way to represent a client. By working with knowledgeable employment violation attorneys, you can get the justice that you deserve.

Contact Our Chicago Employment Lawyers

Hiring the right employment lawyer can be the difference between success and failure.

Because the stakes are so high in employment law cases, employers will fight tooth-and-nail to avoid paying back pay, penalties, fines, fees, and attorney costs.

Our employment law attorneys have been there and have successfully represented employees who need and deserve to get their money.

You worked for your wages in good faith; now, let us help you get you the pay you deserve.

Contact us today in the manner most convenient for you.

Call 1-312-464-1234
Talk to a professional via Live Chat 24/7.
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation form.

Filing an Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

When an employer violates state or federal employment laws, employees can file complaints with Illinois employment and labor agencies.

Employers that have more than 15 employees are governed by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois antidiscrimination state laws.

In Illinois, workplace discrimination is jointly governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).

Employment discrimination on the following bases is prohibited in Illinois:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Religion
  • Sex and Pregnancy
  • Disability: Physical or Mental
  • Age (40 and Older)
  • Genetic Information
  • Marital Status
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Citizenship Status
  • Military Status
  • Unfavorable Military Discharge
  • Gender Identity
  • Arrest Record
  • Victims of Domestic Violence

 

Employment discrimination lawsuits can be filed with the EEOC or the IDHR. Employees who feel that they have been discriminated against on the basis of a prohibited class can file with either agency and indicate that they are cross-filing in order to ensure that both agencies work together to resolve discrimination claims.

Since the IDHR does not allow Illinois employees to file a private lawsuit, discrimination claims that are valid will be filed with the IDHR and not in traditional civil court. Illinois-based discrimination claims must be filed within six months of the discriminatory act.

Additionally or alternatively, employees may file complaints with federal agencies. Finally, employees may also pursue their claims in state and federal civil courts after either exhausting administrative remedies or directly bypassing them in some circumstances.

Discrimination claims under federal law must be filed with the EEOC within six months of the discrimination. While hiring an attorney is not required to file under the administrative agencies, most employees often do not have the resources or knowledge to adequately pursue these cases on their own. A qualified employment lawyer, on the other hand, can make a world of difference.

Our employment lawyers advise any employees who are considering an employment lawsuit to consult with a knowledgeable employment lawyer before resigning from a position.

Employment Law Cases We Handle

GWC employment lawyers help employees file discrimination cases.

There are numerous state and federal laws that govern employee rights in Illinois, but this does not prevent employers from continuing to steal their employees’ wages.

The laws exist to ensure that employers do not violate the constitutional and legal rights of workers in our state.

Our firm helps employees file discrimination lawsuits that involve violations of all relevant state and federal labor laws and regulations, including:

  • Civil Rights Act (Title VII)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act
  • Equal Pay Act
  • Illinois Human Rights Act
  • Family Medical Leave Act

As a plaintiff firm, we help everyday working residents of our state get the wages and benefits they deserve in a healthy, safe, and legal work environment. GWC;s employment lawyers devote their time to upholding these employment laws in the face of unscrupulous employers.

We handle the following employment law and labor violation cases:

  • Wage and Hour Violations
  • Third-Party Claims
  • Wrongful Termination
  • Family and Medical Leave Act
  • Whistleblower Actions
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Disability Discrimination
  • Pregnancy Discrimination
  • Racial Discrimination
  • Age Discrimination
  • Unemployment Benefit Appeals

 

If you suspect that your employer is violating one or more state or federal employment laws and regulations, you should not hesitate to protect your rights by contacting an employment law firm.

Common Employment Law Violations

Unions We Have Proudly Represented

Filing an Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

Questions? We Can Help! Contact Us Today!

Call Us (312) 999-9999 Contact Us Today

What Our Clients Are Saying

View All Reviews

Working with Mr. Elliott was a Breeze. not only was he concise and honest, he was also very knowledgeable and explained everything Very easy.

Also i might add, his supporting staff Amy and Crystal make sending and receiving documents so good and hassle free. I have worked with GWC in the past and will called them first every time too. One last thing, i have Had success referring GWC to my Coworker's and friends and also Family too.and I always will !Thank You GWC .

Harris Elliott of GWC Represented me in a Workman's compensation case. Not only was he very diligent, he was also very patient.

And took the time to make sure I understood everything that was going on and every procedure. Harris answered all emails, calls, and texts quickly and professionally. His assistant, Daisy was also very professional and when Harris was away from the office she did just as well as he did. She's the best!! If I every get hurt again, He will be the first person I call!!

Lou Cairo and GWC were the best to me and got me the maximum amount of compensation for my accident. Kate Kirwan Searls was my attorney and I could not have asked for better representation.

Kate killed it and got me what I deserved and then some. She was prompt, detailed, and excellent at communicating with me throughout the whole process. I will only be using GWC for any future cases, as well as only recommending them to any friends and family. If you want your case handled right, contact GWC!

Mr. Harris Elliott is an amazing attorney! He helped me with my WC case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of.

He is very reliable and responded to my emails or phone calls within 24 hours. Upfront and helpful, Mr. Elliott explained everything in detail and made the process a better learning experience for me. I am really grateful for his services, and I would recommend him to anyone who needs a great friendly lawyer!

The whole team at GWC was amazing. Harris took on my case and answered all emails, calls, and texts quickly and professionally.

Everyone who I came into contact at the firm was also great. If I ever get injured again they will be the first people that I call.

GWC went above and beyond to help resolve an almost 5 year case. The financial and emotional frustration we endured after my husband's car accident was met with empathy and urgency for resolution.

Lou was professional and kept in constant communication throughout the entire process. He treated us like family and never gave up on fighting for a fair and prompt resolution. Our lives may be forever changed but Lou and his team made the utmost commitment to make sure we were taken care of. GWC has the best staff and I am positive if we had used another firm our financial compensation would not have been even close to what Lou & his team secured for us. We are forever grateful and would recommend GWC to anyone in a similar situation. Thank you again for changing our lives for the better.

Mr. Harris Elliott is an amazing attorney! He helped me with my WC case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of.

He is very reliable and responded to my emails or phone calls within 24 hours. Upfront and helpful, Mr. Elliott explained everything in detail and made the process a better learning experience for me. I am really grateful for his services, and I would recommend him to anyone who needs a great friendly lawyer!

icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon

It's Your Case You Deserve Justice

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured, follow in the footsteps of our thousands of satisfied clients and turn to the dedicated attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers. At GWC, we have the experience, the determination, and the well-earned reputation of success necessary to get you and your family the compensation you deserve so that you can start getting your lives back on track.

To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers, you may call our office at (312) 999-9999 or click here to chat with a representative at any time. At GWC, justice starts today.

Contact Us Today

Our Offices

Chicago
111 E Wacker Dr Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 999-9999
Burr Ridge
1000 Burr Ridge Pkwy #203
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 300-3026
Libertyville
31290 U.S 45
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 984-3830
Rockford
6820 Mill Road
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 315-4698