Illinois Statutes Chapter 820. Employment § 185/45. Willful violations

(a) Whoever willfully violates any of the provisions of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act or whoever obstructs the Director of Labor, or his or her representatives, or any other person authorized to inspect places of employment under this Act shall be liable for penalties up to double the statutory amount.

(b) Whoever willfully violates any of the provisions of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act shall be liable to the employee for punitive damages in an amount equal to the penalties assessed in subsection (a) of this Section.

(c) The penalty shall be imposed in cases in which an employer or entity's conduct is proven by a preponderance of the evidence to be willful. The penalty may be recovered in a civil action brought by the Director of Labor in any circuit court. In any such action, the Director of Labor shall be represented by the Attorney General. Any uncollected amount shall be subject to the provisions of the Illinois State Collection Act of 1986.

(d) An entity or employer that willfully violates any provision of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act commits a Class C misdemeanor. An entity or employer that commits a second or subsequent violation within a 5 year period commits a Class 4 felony.