I’m really thankful for Taylor and the team for everything they did for me. This process wasn’t easy, but Taylor was always patient, kind, and made sure I understood what was going on. I never felt rushed or ignored, and that honestly meant a lot to me. I truly appreciate the care and effort that went into my case. I would definitely recommend them every time.
Illinois Wrongful Termination
Illinois is an at-will state — but Illinois law gives workers one of the broadest wrongful-firing claims in the country. If you were let go for reporting wrongdoing, filing a claim, or refusing to break the law, you may have a case for retaliatory discharge.
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Can you be fired for no reason in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois is an at-will state, so an employer can generally terminate you without cause. But Illinois recognizes the tort of retaliatory discharge, a broad common-law claim that makes a firing illegal when it violates a clearly mandated public policy. Combined with the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Act, Illinois workers have substantial protection against unlawful firings.
What Illinois law adds beyond federal law
Retaliatory discharge
Illinois recognizes a broad common-law claim that federal law doesn’t offer. If your firing violated a clearly mandated public policy — filing a workers’ comp claim, reporting illegal conduct, refusing to commit a crime — you may have a retaliatory discharge claim, and it can go straight to court.
The Illinois Whistleblower Act
Illinois protects workers who disclose information about suspected violations of law to a government or law enforcement agency, and workers who refuse to participate in activity that would violate the law.
The Illinois Human Rights Act
The IHRA prohibits discriminatory terminations and covers characteristics federal law doesn’t, including arrest record, order of protection status, and citizenship status. It reaches employers with as few as one employee.
Workers’ compensation protection
Illinois has long treated firing an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim as retaliatory discharge. It’s one of the clearest applications of the doctrine and one of the most common claims workers bring.
When a firing is illegal in Illinois
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Discrimination
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Whistleblowing
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Retaliation
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Workers’ comp
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Protected leave
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Refusing to break the law
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Jury duty
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Breach of contract
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Public policy violations
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Discussing pay
Bringing a wrongful termination claim in Illinois
The path depends on why you were fired. Discrimination claims typically go through the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the EEOC. A retaliatory discharge claim, by contrast, is a common-law tort — it can often be brought directly in court without going through an agency first.
Key points
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01
Retaliatory discharge is a powerful option. Because it’s a common-law claim rather than an agency process, it can move directly to court and often carries a longer window than administrative claims.
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02
The deadline depends on the claim. IDHR discrimination charges generally run 300 days. Retaliatory discharge and contract claims follow different, often longer, timelines. Because they vary so much, don’t assume you’ve missed your window.
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03
You may have more than one claim. A single firing can violate the IHRA, the Whistleblower Act, and public policy at once. We look at every avenue, not just the obvious one.
Talk to us early so you don’t lose the right to act
The deadlines are strict and depend on which law applies.
Get free case reviewWhat you can recover under Illinois law:
- Back pay for the wages you lost after being fired
- Front pay for future earnings
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Reinstatement to your job, if that’s what you want
- Punitive damages, which are available in retaliatory discharge cases in certain circumstances
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Every case is different. What you can recover depends on the facts, the law, and the employer’s conduct.
How we handle wrongful termination cases
Every case starts with a free call. We know Illinois law — the retaliatory discharge tort, the Whistleblower Act, the IHRA, and how each one changes what your case looks like and where it gets filed. Most of these cases turn on one question: was the reason they gave the real reason? That’s what we help you answer. If you have a case, we’ll tell you what it looks like. If you don’t, we’ll tell you that too, and point you toward someone who can help.
On contingency, you pay nothing unless we win.
Attorneys who handle these cases
Meet the full team
Shawn Wanta
Founding Partner
Recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys, a determined litigator fighting for workers in class and collective actions.
Admitted in MN · IL
Joni Thome
Founding Partner
Drawing on 25 years of representing professionals and managers, a steady advocate for employees facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
Admitted in MN
Suzanne Heywood
Attorney
Driven by her own encounters with corporate unfairness, a tenacious champion focused on protecting the rights, livelihoods, and futures of hardworking professionals.
Admitted in IN · IL · MI
Luke Molvarec
Attorney
Forged by his background as a Marine, an unwavering defender fighting to level the playing field and secure meaningful financial recovery for unfairly treated workers.
Admitted in IL
I’m incredibly grateful for the time and care that Taylor Volkman has given me. From the very beginning, he took the time to really listen to my situation and understand the details of what I’ve already tried on my own. He provided me with a clear list of possible paths forward and even gave me the vocabulary I can use when addressing issues with my employer. What stood out most is how patient and thorough he has been — making sure I understood my options, validating the steps I’ve already taken, and helping me feel prepared to advocate for myself. He never rushed me, and it was clear that his priority was making sure I felt supported and informed. Even though he hasn’t charged me for the time he has spent so far, the guidance has been invaluable. I strongly recommend Taylor to anyone who needs thoughtful, practical, and compassionate legal support.
I don’t even know where to start. I have nothing but good things to say about Wanta Thome ESPECIALLY about Joni and Thomas! They went to bat for me like no other. They made me feel comfortable and treated me with the respect I deserved. They fought hard for me and helped guide me through each process. I was confident that they had my best interest at heart. After we were done I didn’t want to leave them. They are now my new family members (not sure if they know it or not). All in all, go with Wanta Thome, they’re no suckers! 10’s across the board.
Common questions about wrongful termination in Illinois
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Can my employer really fire me for no reason in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois is at-will, so an employer can generally terminate you without cause. What they can’t do is fire you for a reason that violates public policy or a specific statute. Illinois’ retaliatory discharge doctrine makes that protection unusually broad.
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What is retaliatory discharge in Illinois?
It’s a common-law claim that makes a firing illegal when it violates a clearly mandated public policy — like filing a workers’ comp claim, reporting illegal conduct, or refusing to commit a crime. It’s one of the strongest wrongful-termination tools in any state, and it can often be brought directly in court.
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Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
No. Illinois courts have long treated this as textbook retaliatory discharge. If you were terminated after filing an injury claim — or after your employer learned you intended to — that timing alone is worth examining closely.
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What does the Illinois Whistleblower Act protect?
It protects workers who disclose information about suspected violations of law to a government or law enforcement agency, and workers who refuse to participate in activity that would break the law. Being fired for either can give you a claim.
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How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Illinois?
It depends on the claim. IDHR discrimination charges generally run 300 days. Retaliatory discharge and contract claims follow different, often longer, timelines. Because the deadlines vary so widely, don’t assume you’re too late — check with us first.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Five fields, no story needed yet — that comes on the follow-up call. Most people hear back within five minutes if Nina is enabled, or the same business day if not.
Your submission is confidential. We do not contact your employer.
Common questions
Can my employer really fire me for no reason in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois is at-will, so an employer can generally terminate you without cause. What they can’t do is fire you for a reason that violates public policy or a specific statute. Illinois’ retaliatory discharge doctrine makes that protection unusually broad.
What is retaliatory discharge in Illinois?
It’s a common-law claim that makes a firing illegal when it violates a clearly mandated public policy — like filing a workers’ comp claim, reporting illegal conduct, or refusing to commit a crime. It’s one of the strongest wrongful-termination tools in any state, and it can often be brought directly in court.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
No. Illinois courts have long treated this as textbook retaliatory discharge. If you were terminated after filing an injury claim — or after your employer learned you intended to — that timing alone is worth examining closely.
What does the Illinois Whistleblower Act protect?
It protects workers who disclose information about suspected violations of law to a government or law enforcement agency, and workers who refuse to participate in activity that would break the law. Being fired for either can give you a claim.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Illinois?
It depends on the claim. IDHR discrimination charges generally run 300 days. Retaliatory discharge and contract claims follow different, often longer, timelines. Because the deadlines vary so widely, don’t assume you’re too late — check with us first.