Belleville Age Discrimination Attorneys
We Believe in Protecting Illinois Workers’ Rights
Age should never determine your value at work. Unfortunately, many Illinois workers experience subtle and blatant age bias that affects their job stability, earning power, and long-term career opportunities. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we have spent decades standing up for employees who have been pushed aside, replaced, or mistreated simply because they reached a certain age. With more than 75 years of combined practice experience and nationwide respect from our peers, we know how to identify age discrimination and guide you through the steps of protecting your rights.
Our team understands how discouraging it can be when your hard-earned experience is ignored. Whether an employer relies on stereotypes, favors younger workers, or uses “restructuring” as an excuse, you deserve to be treated fairly. If you believe your age influenced how you were treated during a work-related situation, we are ready to help you understand your options and pursue a fair outcome.
Call us today at (314) 819-0963 to speak with an experienced Belleville age discrimination lawyer about what happened to you.
What Is Age Discrimination Under Illinois Law?
Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats you less favorably because you are 40 or older. Illinois law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act, prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on your age. Federal law provides additional protections, especially for workers who are at least 40 years old. Employment laws designed to protect against age discrimination apply to a wide range of workplace decisions, including hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, disciplinary actions, and reductions in force. If age, not performance, drove your employer’s decision, you might have faced age discrimination as it is defined by law.
Common Forms of Age Discrimination
Age discrimination can be obvious, but more often it appears in subtle patterns that build over time. Many workers sense that something is wrong long before they realize it may be illegal. Recognizing these signs can help you understand your rights and decide whether it is time to speak with an attorney.
Common signs of age discrimination include:
- Favoring younger employees for promotions or leadership roles
- Sudden negative performance reviews after years of strong evaluations
- Comments about retirement, energy level, or being “outdated”
- Pressure to accept early retirement or severance
- Reassignment to undesirable tasks or shifts
- Unequal discipline for minor issues
- Replacement by significantly younger employees
- Exclusion from training, projects, or advancement opportunities
If any of these situations sound familiar, it may be time to explore whether age bias influenced your employer’s decisions.
How to Start an Age Discrimination Claim
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
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