Civil rights are the cornerstone of any true democracy. While our country promises freedom for all via the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, the journey to establishing such freedoms for women, people of color, people with disabilities, and so many other marginalized groups has required the blood, sweat, and tears of civil rights activists throughout history.
And while we’ve come a long way, the fight to protect these civil liberties must be unyielding. At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are determined to stand up for the civil rights of all Illinois citizens no matter how big the adversary. Our civil rights lawyers stand ready to jump in the ring with you, not just to protect the rights you deserve, but for all who follow.
Table of Contents:
- What Are Civil Rights?
- Types of Civil Rights Violations We Handle
- Civil Rights Laws and Legislation
- Proven Success Defending Civil Rights
- Damages Available In a Civil Rights Claim
- Contact a Civil Rights Lawyer at Disparti Law Group
What Are Civil Rights?
Civil rights are fundamental guarantees of equal opportunities and legal protection regardless of personal characteristics such as:
- race
- gender
- age
- religion
- sexual orientation
- disability
- national origin
- ethnicity
They encompass rights such as voting, fair trial, government services, employment, and public education. A person’s civil rights are protected through government action such as legislation.
While the African American Civil Rights Movement may have been one of the biggest movements in US history, it certainly has not been the only civil rights movement to create change. Other civil rights movements include the Women’s Rights Movement, the Chicano Movement (El Movimiento), the American Indian Movement (AIM), the Asian American Movement, the Gay Liberation Movement, and many more.
Types of Civil Rights Violations We Handle
At Disparti Law Group, our civil rights lawyers are unafraid to jump in the ring to face injustice. A civil rights violation is any offense or threat of force against a victim due to their protected class. We represent a range of civil rights violations including:
- Police brutality and misconduct
- Wrongful termination
- Employment discrimination
- Use of excessive force
- School sexual abuse
- Disability discrimination
- Workplace discrimination
- Sexual abuse in the workplace
- Use of excessive force
- Unlivable conditions, abuse, and other violations of institutionalized individuals
Civil Rights Laws and Legislation
Legislation is essential to guaranteeing civil rights. It is the cover that everyone is entitled to and cannot be taken away by anyone. Here are a few civil rights laws that a civil rights lawyer may use to stand against discrimination.
Civil Rights Act (1964)
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the holy grail of civil rights laws. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, this act prohibited discrimination in public places. This meant the end of segregation and widespread enforcement of integrated schools and other public facilities.
The act also made employment discrimination illegal. While the Civil Rights Act (1964) was the pinnacle of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, the legislation impacted the rights of other marginalized groups based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
This act has been foundational to civil rights legislation that’s followed and continues to be a beacon of protection against all civil rights violations.
Protections for Persons With Disabilities
Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most formidable barrier against discriminatory practices in employment, education, and public accommodations. It ensures that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities and access, fostering inclusivity in all facets of society. Before the passing of the ADA, other critical laws that protected the civil rights of people with disabilities included:
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA). Mandates accessibility standards for federally funded buildings, promoting physical inclusivity.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Prohibits employment discrimination by federally funded organizations, further cementing the protection of disabled individuals’ rights.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975 (IDEA). Protects the rights of students with disabilities and ensures that they have free access to appropriate public education.
Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). Guarantees fair treatment in air transportation.
Protections in the Workplace
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 stands as a crucial pillar, prohibiting wage discrimination based on sex or gender for equal work performed by employees. Additionally, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act fortifies protections for employees by prohibiting discrimination in hiring, promotion, and termination based on pregnancy or intent to become pregnant.
Another landmark law that protects civil rights in the workplace is the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) which ensures that employees have the right to take time off from work to care for newly acquired children or attend to the needs of ill family members without risking their job security. Together, these legislative measures serve to create a workplace environment that upholds the rights and dignity of all employees, regardless of their circumstances.
Protections Against Age Discrimination
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 safeguards individuals from age-based discrimination in programs or activities administered by entities receiving federal financial assistance and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from unfairly favoring or disadvantaging individuals solely based on their age.
Another significant piece of legislation that protects against age discrimination is the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act. This act ensures equitable access to benefits for older employees, mitigating the risk of discriminatory practices that might disadvantage older workers in terms of their employment benefits.
Prisoner’s Rights
Laws safeguarding the rights of people who are incarcerated are crucial for upholding basic human dignity and ensuring fair treatment within correctional facilities. The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) serves as a key mechanism in protecting the civil rights of individuals as it allows the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against state and local governments for violating the civil rights of incarcerated people.
These rights extend to access to adequate medical and mental health care, protection from racial segregation except where security concerns necessitate it, and freedom from intentional deprivation of personal property.
Another important piece of legislation for prisoner’s rights is the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) aims to prevent sexual assault and harassment within prison settings, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe and secure environments for inmates. Inmates are also entitled to rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations for their disabilities.
Illinois Civil Rights Laws
The Illinois Human Rights Act reflects the state’s efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality. Enacted in 1979, the Act safeguards the rights of individuals across various protected classes, including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, and military status.
It prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit transactions, and educational institutions. Additionally, the Act establishes the Illinois Human Rights Commission, tasked with investigating complaints of discrimination and enforcing the provisions of the law.
A civil rights lawyer can use the Illinois Human Rights Act to support a civil rights violations lawsuit and to help ensure all Illinois citizens live free from discrimination and prejudice in any facet of their lives.
Proven Success Defending Civil Rights
We continue to have a proven track record of handling a variety of civil rights cases and securing real wins for our clients.
Disparti Files Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Against the Village of Flossmoor on Behalf of Police Chief
Disparti Law Group attorneys initiated legal action by filing a civil rights lawsuit against the Village of Flossmoor and its Village Manager, Bridget Wachtel, in the Northern District of the US District Court, citing alleged racially discriminatory actions towards Police Chief Jerel Jones.
Attorney Bob Fioretti, part of Chief Jones’ legal team, vehemently denounced such discrimination, emphasizing its unwelcome nature in Flossmoor, the wider community, and the government. The lawsuit, comprising 117 points, meticulously outlines instances of race-based micromanagement and hypercriticism that purportedly hindered Chief Jones’ effectiveness.
Attorney Cass Casper, another member of the legal team, underscored the existence of dual performance standards—one for white and another for black department heads. Alongside Chief Jones and his legal representatives, a representative from NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, voiced support, expressing concern over the administration’s swift judgment on Chief Jones’ performance.
NOBLE pledged solidarity with Chief Jones to safeguard his reputation and professional integrity amidst the allegations and decisions by Flossmoor’s administration. The lawsuit now awaits assignment of a judge and a court date in federal court.
Disparti Stands with Family of Man Killed in Department of Corrections Custody
Civil rights attorneys Larry Disparti, Andrew M. Stroth, and their legal team filed charges on behalf of family members of Othel Moore, Jr., who died on December 8th at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. The dangers faced by black men in the correctional system are undeniable. The legal team is demanding transparency including the release of video footage and information about the events leading to Moore’s death.
Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Board of Education/CPS in Sexual Allegation Case
The Karlin Law Firm, LLC and Disparti Law Group jointly announced the filing of a lawsuit against the Chicago Board of Education, Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary School, Chicago Public School District 299 (CPS), and Andrew Castro, following allegations of grooming and sexual abuse endured by students at a Chicago Public School for over five years by a teacher entrusted with their education and safety.
The lawsuit contends that despite repugnant acts committed by the teacher, the school ignored warning signs and facilitated the predator’s continued access to the young students. The legal team, consisting of seven attorneys, is determined to pursue justice for the victims and ensure the safety of children in schools, promising to advocate for any additional families affected by similar circumstances.
Damages Available In a Civil Rights Claim
When a person’s civil rights are violated, something must be done to right such a terrible wrong. One way a civil rights lawyer can help do just that is through monetary damages. The type of damages available in a civil rights claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Humiliation and reputational harm
- Confinement compensation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries (i.e. PTSD, depression, and anxiety)
You may also be able to recover attorney fees and other legal costs, as well as possible punitive damages.
Contact a Civil Rights Lawyer at Disparti Law Group
A violation of the civil rights of one is a threat to the rights of all. If you believe your civil rights have been violated, you can take action today. A civil rights lawyer at Disparti Law Group can help you through the process of holding violators accountable.
However, it’s important to act sooner rather than later. The statute of limitations, or the time you have to file a civil rights lawsuit, is only two years. An experienced civil rights attorney would immediately launch their own investigation regarding the violations and will work tirelessly to uncover the truth.
For a FREE case review with a civil rights lawyer, call (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!
Chicago Civil Rights Lawyer (312) 600-6000
121 W Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601
