Genetic Information Privacy Act Claims
Peiffer Wolf is investigating the unlawful solicitation of Illinois workers’ family medical information in direct violation of the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act, or “GIPA.”
The Act explicitly prohibits an employer from asking for one’s family health data as a condition of employment.
If you are a current resident of Illinois or have lived in the state within the past five years and have submitted medical information during the interview process or to start a new job, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact Peiffer Wolf by submitting an online contact form or calling 314-669-3600.
GIPA | What’s at Stake
If you’re an Illinois resident and your former, current, or potential employer requested or used genetic information, including your family’s medical history (e.g., inquiries about heart conditions, diabetes, or cancer in your family), you may be entitled to up to $2,500 per violation.
These claims arise from employers’ demands for prospective employees to provide family medical history information as part of a mandatory health screening or the unauthorized use of family medical history details voluntarily provided for an employer’s wellness program, in violation of GIPA.
GIPA | Know Your Rights
In 1998, Illinois lawmakers enacted GIPA to protect individuals from having their genetic information disclosed and/or used against them in a discriminatory manner with respect to employment. The law was amended in 2008 to increase protections and align more with the Federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
Per GIPA guidelines, employers must neither directly nor indirectly:
- Ask about, solicit, request, require, or purchase genetic information of a person or a family member of the person… as a condition of employment and/or pre-employment application;
- Affect the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment and/or pre-employment application, or terminate the employment, of any person because of genetic information with respect to the employee or family member;
- Limit, segregate, or classify employees in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any employee of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of the employee as an employee because of genetic information with respect to the employee or a family member, or information about a request for or the receipt of genetic testing or genetic information by such employee or family member of such employee; and
- Retaliate through discharge or in any other manner against any person alleging a violation of GIPA or participating in any manner in a proceeding under this GIPA.
If you are a current resident of Illinois or have lived in the state within the past five years and have submitted medical information during the interview process or to start a new job, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact Peiffer Wolf by submitting an online contact form or calling 314-669-3600.
GIPA Claims | See if you qualify
Peiffer Wolf represents consumers in lawsuits against corporations, healthcare providers, and other organizations that unlawfully collect or fail to adequately safeguard consumer information.
If you are a current resident of Illinois or have lived in the state of Illinois within the past five years and have submitted medical information during the interview process or to start a new job, fill out the form below to see if you qualify.