“Whistleblowing” is when someone notifies authorities that a company or agency they work for has defrauded the government. Whistleblowing is an act of public service, as it helps prevent the waste and theft of taxpayer funds.
Unfortunately, whistleblowing can make your employer angry, and they may seek retaliation against you. If you have filed a whistleblower complaint, or are considering filing one, you may be concerned about potential retaliation. Here are a few things you should know about whistleblower retaliation and what you can do to protect yourself.
Whistleblower Retaliation Is Illegal
Plain and simple. An employee who calls out fraud in their place of work cannot be subjected to any negative consequences by their employer, manager, or co-workers. That would be retaliation. If the employer does retaliate or allows retaliation to occur in the workplace, they are in violation of the law and can be held liable.
An employee who is retaliated against has the right to file a lawsuit against their employer, and can potentially receive significant compensation under federal whistleblower/qui tam law. And no matter the whistleblower’s financial situation, they can afford protection. How? Morgan & Morgan whistleblower attorneys review and take on these cases with no cost upfront.
Retaliation Can Take Many Forms
If your employer, manager, or co-worker is upset at you, they can try and impact your workplace experience in many different ways. This can include:
- Being fired
- Suspension, with or without pay
- Demotion in pay or responsibility
- Harassment or discrimination
- Denial of benefits, bonuses, or promotions
- Being made to feel unsafe or threatened
- Imposition of penalties or sanctions
If any of these instances apply to an employee who has filed a whistleblower complaint, it may be grounds for a lawsuit.
What Can Be Won In A Retaliation Lawsuit
If you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may be able to recover some or all of the following in a lawsuit, depending on the circumstances:
- If fired, reinstatement to your position, salary, and benefits
- Double the back pay lost as a result of termination or suspension, with interest
- Legal costs and attorney fees
- Other damages and compensation
This will differ on a case-by-case basis. To find out what compensation may be available in your case, call Morgan & Morgan for a free consultation.
Don’t Hesitate
Blowing the whistle on fraud can be a nerve-wracking experience, and it can seem isolating. But you don’t have to fight for your rights on your own.
Morgan & Morgan whistleblower attorneys help whistleblowers through the process of filing their claims, and fight to protect them from illegal retaliation. Our attorneys have the resources they need to go up against major corporations and win. Morgan & Morgan is the largest injury firm in the country, and we’ve recovered more than $7 billion for our clients to date. We want to fight for you too. Call today for your free consultation.
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