Employees frequently have a first-hand view of what occurs in their jobs, both positive and negative. They might even see their bosses committing unethical or dishonest behaviors, some of which might put public health and safety at risk (such as taking shortcuts in food manufacturing, leading to the possibility of contaminated food).
Many times, these employees are reluctant to inform the authorities about these acts out of concern that they may be fired or otherwise penalized for raising the issue. The good news is that there are laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation. The bad news is that these laws are not always followed. If you believe you have been wrongly terminated or otherwise have suffered as a result of whistleblowing, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for help.
Laws protecting whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are protected by a number of laws. An employee may be entitled to sue the employer under a whistleblower protection statute if they report information they consider to be proof of criminal behavior and are punished as a result. These laws are designed to encourage staff members to report behavior that contravenes the law, endangers public safety, costs taxpayers money, or (for public servants) betrays public trust.
Who these laws protect
A whistleblower protection statute allows an employee to sue their employer if they are fired or otherwise treated unfairly after reporting wrongdoing. There are numerous distinct whistleblower protection laws designed to address certain situations, such as those involving the environment, corporations, government fraud, federal employees, and the military.
Whistleblowers are protected by both state and federal laws; a knowledgeable wrongful termination lawyer will be able to examine your particular situation and give you advice regarding the laws that are relevant to your case.
Whistleblowers are sometimes eligible to receive financial compensation
Whistleblowers may receive financial compensation in some circumstances for reporting fraudulent behavior. For instance, under the False Claims Act, an employee who reports fraud in federal contracts may be entitled to up to 20 to 30 percent of the money recovered. Numerous factors can contribute to this circumstance.
For example, a nursing home employee may tell the government if she learns that her employer is billing Medicare for services that are not actually rendered to patients. The government may subsequently be able to recover some money from the nursing facility as compensation for its fraud, and this employee might be eligible to receive a piece of that.
A payout for the employee may result from reporting fraud if the government is successful in recovering funds if someone working for a company that makes equipment for the military discovers that short cuts are being taken so that the products delivered are not what the military ordered and paid for. Naturally, not every whistleblower will be qualified for payment. Speak with a qualified whistleblower lawyer to examine the particulars of your case.
Contact an attorney if you have noticed illegal activity in your workplace
It is important to encourage employees to report risky, dishonest, or unethical behavior. Unfortunately, they are punished much too frequently by being demoted, dismissed, or subjected to other measures. PLBH can assist you if you have reported your employer’s illegal behavior and have suffered as a result.
Our employment law attorneys have expertise defending individuals who have been unlawfully terminated or subjected to discrimination as a result of raising a red flag or taking part in other protected behavior. Call (800) 435-7542 or email info@plblaw.com to schedule an appointment and find out how we can assist you.