Employees

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Laws for Employees in Illinois: Rights, Filing Process, and Recovery

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Chicago, Illinois – Employers in Illinois are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for nearly all employees, and failure to do so can result in significant penalties. It is crucial for workers in the state to understand their rights and responsibilities in the event of a workplace injury. Here is a concise guide to the workers’ compensation laws in Illinois. Workers’ compensation laws in Chicago, IL apply to almost all employees, whether they are part-time or full-time. This coverage includes employees who sustain injuries while working in Illinois, those whose work is centered in the … Read more

Landmark Labor Board Ruling: Home Depot Found Guilty of Violating Employees’ Rights Over ‘BLM’ Apron Dispute

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New York – Home Depot, an Atlanta-based company, has been found to have violated federal labor laws by firing an employee for refusing to remove a hand-drawn “BLM” (Black Lives Matter) logo from his work apron, according to a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board. The board determined that the employee’s act of defiance was considered “concerted,” as it stemmed from previous joint protests by employees against racial discrimination in the workplace. The symbol was seen as an attempt to draw attention to the collective grievances of the group. The board also argued that … Read more

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Overturns $366 Million Verdict in FedEx Employee’s Retaliation Lawsuit

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HOUSTON, Texas – A recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has significant implications for employers regarding race discrimination and retaliation claims. The court overturned a jury verdict that had awarded a Houston-based FedEx employee $366 million in damages. Jennifer Harris, a district sales manager in Texas, filed a race discrimination complaint against her supervisor within the company. In response, Harris was placed on a performance improvement plan. She was later placed on a second plan and ultimately recommended for termination, leading her to believe her supervisor’s actions were pretextual. Harris presented evidence … Read more

High-profile Mass Tort Law Firm Watts Guerra Reshapes Future, Leaving Puerto Rico Office and Laying Off 50 Employees

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San Juan, Puerto Rico – High-profile mass tort law firm Watts Guerra, led by attorney Mikal Watts, is closing its Puerto Rico office and laying off dozens of employees, according to internal emails obtained by Bloomberg Law. Watts, known for spearheading high-stakes litigation against corporations, recently stated that he was “restructuring” the firm but had no intention of leaving. However, emails shared with Bloomberg Law reveal that Watts sent an email to all employees on January 7, announcing his resignation from the firm due to health reasons. He informed Bloomberg Law that he plans to … Read more