Whistleblowers Compensation and Legal Protection
The Whistleblower lawyers at our firm have helped hundreds of people in their quest to reveal illegal acts committed by businesses and government entities. Whistleblowers preserve the public welfare by making sure that companies and government entities engage in honest practices, enact responsible policies, and are held accountable for wrongdoing. Unfortunately, Whistleblowers often face retribution for revealing the dishonest dealings of businesses and government officials. Our Whistleblower lawyers can provide protection from retaliation, and help Whistleblowers receive compensation for the huge risks they take. It is important that anyone with knowledge of illegal acts committed by a business or government entity consult a qualified Whistleblower lawyer like those at our firm in order to protect their rights.
Definition of a Whistleblower
A Whistleblower is an employee, former employee, or member of an organization, especially a business or government agency, who reports misconduct to people or entities that have the power and presumed willingness to take corrective action. Generally the misconduct is a violation of law, rule, regulation and/or a direct threat to public interest, such as fraud, health/safety violations, and corruption. Whistleblower complaints focus on conduct prohibited by a specific law and that may cause damage to public safety, waste tax dollars, or violate public trust in an honest, accountable government.
Whistleblowers often face retaliation for revealing illegal acts. Employers may refuse a Whistleblower pay increases or promotions, and in some cases, companies have fired Whistleblowers. In some very extreme cases, governmental agencies have even filed criminal cases against Whistleblowers. An experienced Whistleblower lawyer like those at our firm can protect Whistleblowers from retaliation by vindictive companies and government agencies.
Whistleblower Lawsuits
Each year, hundreds of Whistleblower lawsuits are filed and many are settled for millions of dollars. Whistleblower cases are designed to hold public entities accountable while protecting and compensating the victim(s) and/or the Whistleblower. The federal Fair Claims Act allows private citizens to sue on behalf of the government and get a portion of awards in cases where firms defraud the government. Typically, the Whistleblower receives a percentage of the lawsuit settlement funds.
If a Whistleblower is retaliated against, he or she has the right to sue for compensation. Whistleblower lawsuits have been filed against a wide variety of organizations. Military contractors, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and tobacco companies have all been ordered to pay substantial judgments to Whistleblowers. Recoveries in Whistleblower cases that were pursued by the Department of Justice totaled $1.39 billion in 2003. To date, Whistleblowers' rewards for bringing successful lawsuits total more than $2.5 billion. Our Whistleblower lawyers are dedicated to making sure that the individuals who risk so much to expose unscrupulous businesses and government agencies receive whatever compensation they are entitled to.
Whistleblower Legislation
Over the years, the US Congress and various state legislatures have drafted legislation to protect Whistleblowers against retaliation. Most people are not familiar with the specifics of Whistleblower protection laws, and it is not unusual for businesses and government agencies to ignore these protections in dealing with Whistleblowers. That is why people with knowledge of illegal acts should speak with an experienced Whistleblower lawyer before they go public with allegations of illegal acts if at all possible.
In 1986, Congress added Whistleblower protections to the False Claims Act. The protection afforded by the False Claims Act extends to Whistleblowers whose allegations could legitimately support a False Claims Act case even if the case is never filed. Under the False Claim Act, a Whistleblower is entitled to reinstatement with seniority, double back pay, interest, special damages sustained as a result of discriminatory treatment, and attorneys fees and costs.
The Whistleblower protections in the False Claims Act have been very effective in encouraging Whistleblowers to come forward. Faced with the threat of both criminal investigations and civil Whistleblower penalties, many entities facing Whistleblower lawsuits are eager to settle these cases. The experience of a good Whistleblower lawyer can be vital during such settlement negotiations.
State Whistleblower Laws
Various states have enacted their own Whistleblower laws. Most state statutes focus on protection against employer retaliation and provide a cause of action and remedies for Whistleblowers who experience job-related retaliation as a consequence of their revelations. There are also important points of divergence within the anti-retaliation provisions, including the type of Whistleblower protected, the subject of protected whistleblowing, the requirements for filing a grievance and appeal, and the remedies provided to the employee suffering retaliation. The complexity of state Whistleblower laws make it even more crucial that individuals retain the help of an experienced Whistleblower lawyer when they reveal illegal acts committed by businesses or government agencies.
Legal Help for Whistleblowers
If you know of wrongdoing on the part of a business or government organization and you want to reveal these acts, it is important to have an experienced Whistleblower lawyer on your side to protect your rights. The Whistleblower lawyers at our firm can make sure you are compensated for the risk you take. Please contact us by filling out our online form or by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Legal Help & Free Case Evaluation
If you are thinking of coming forward and blowing the whistle on your employer or another company, please fill out the form on our Free Consultation page today! Our lawyers will evaluate your case confidentially and at no cost.
The information you submit will be kept EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL. We will not share your information with anyone.
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