(820 ILCS 185/60)

Sec. 60. Private right of action.

(a) An interested party or person aggrieved by a violation of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act by an employer or entity may file suit in circuit court, in the county where the alleged offense occurred or where any person who is party to the action resides, without regard to exhaustion of any alternative administrative remedies provided in this Act. Actions may be brought by one or more persons for and on behalf of themselves and other persons similarly situated. A person whose rights have been violated under this Act by an employer or entity is entitled to collect:

(1) the amount of any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to the person by reason of the violation, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages;

(2) compensatory damages and an amount up to $500 for each violation of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act;

(3) in the case of unlawful retaliation, all legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate; and

(4) attorney's fees and costs.

(b) The right of an interested party or aggrieved person to bring an action under this Section terminates upon the passing of 3 years from the final date of performing services to the employer or entity. This limitations period is tolled if an employer or entity has deterred a person's exercise of rights under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-26, eff. 1-1-08.)