Illinois genetic information privacy: Who’s affected?
If you live in Illinois and were asked about your family medical history during a pre-employment physical examination, it may constitute a genetic privacy violation in the workplace. Fill out the form to see if you qualify to join a class action lawsuit investigation.
Under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), an employer may not request or require an individual to disclose their genetic information, including family medical history. This act aims to protect individuals from potential discrimination based on their genetic makeup or predisposition to certain medical conditions.
If an employer or prospective employer has inquired about your family’s medical history as part of the hiring or employment process, you may be eligible to participate in an Illinois genetic privacy class action lawsuit.
Do you qualify?
Did your current or former employer ask about your family medical history in the past 5 years? Perhaps you were asked during a pre-employment exam, during a Worker’s Compensation investigation, during a job interview or during employment. If so, you may be eligible to join a GIPA class action for privacy violations. Fill out the form to learn more.
Fill out the form on this page for more information.
Illinois law prohibits your employer from asking you about your family medical history
Enacted in Illinois in 1998, the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) represents a landmark piece of legislation aimed at establishing robust privacy protections for individuals’ genetic information and family medical history. This comprehensive law safeguards the confidentiality of genetic test results, including those pertaining to the individual, their family members and any medical diagnoses derived from genetic testing.
Under the stringent provisions of GIPA, all such genetic information is deemed strictly confidential, and written authorization is mandated to access an individual’s genetic data. The state of Illinois established a rigorous framework to ensure the privacy of this sensitive health information and prevent its misuse, particularly in employment contexts.
Notably, GIPA introduces important employment protections that prohibit employers from requiring or requesting an employee’s family medical history or genetic information. The act expressly forbids genetic testing as a condition of employment, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to discriminatory practices based on their genetic makeup.
By establishing a comprehensive legal framework that safeguards the privacy of individuals’ genetic data and prevents its misuse in employment settings, GIPA empowers individuals and upholds their fundamental right to privacy. This groundbreaking legislation represents a significant step forward in protecting the sensitive health information of individuals and their families, fostering a more ethical environment in the realm of genetics and employment.
How much compensation do you get under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act?
The Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) was enacted to safeguard individuals’ family medical history and prevent discrimination based on genetic predispositions. This legislation imposes substantial penalties on companies that fail to comply with its provisions.
If an organization knowingly and intentionally violates GIPA, it may face a civil monetary penalty of up to $15,000 for each violation. This substantial fine underscores the gravity of willful non-compliance and serves as a deterrent against intentional disregard for the law’s requirements.
However, even in cases where the violation is deemed negligent or unintentional, companies are still subject to financial penalties. For every negligent violation of GIPA, the organization may be liable for a civil fine of up to $2,500. While lower than the penalty for intentional violations, this fine highlights the importance of exercising due diligence and implementing appropriate safeguards to protect genetic information.
Individuals that qualify for these lawsuits may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.
See If You Qualify
Join an Illinois genetic information privacy class action lawsuit investigation
By submitting your information, you agree to receive communications from Top Class Actions and to be contacted by an attorney or law firm or their agents to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you if you qualify.
After you fill out the form, an attorney(s) or their agent(s) may contact you to discuss your legal rights.
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