As an employee who notices an ethical issue in your company, you may be dealing with the dilemma of whether to reveal the issue to the authorities or not. The situation may be amplified by your worry surrounding job security and potential retaliation from your employers. This is where whistle blower rights come in. When it comes to fighting a whistle blower case, you need to know how you are protected and where you’re not!
What are Whistle Blower Rights?
Whistle blower rights are legal protections provided for employees who report illegal or unethical activities within their company. These activities can range from fraud, safety violations, discrimination, harassment, and other unlawful practices. Whistle blower rights are essential in protecting employees who speak out against their employers, ensuring their safety and job security.
The Rights You Have as a Whistle Blower
When making this courageous decision, you should be aware of all of your rights, they’re as follows:
Protection From Retaliation
One of the biggest things that keeps people from alerting the public of issues within their company is the fear of retaliation from their employer. Retaliation can come in many forms, such as demotion, harassment, termination, or other negative actions.
However, under the Whistle Blower Protection Act (WPA), it is illegal for employers to retaliate against whistle blowers. This means that if you report wrongdoing and your employer takes any retaliatory action against you, they can be held accountable in a whistle blower case.
Confidentiality
As a whistle blower, you have the right to keep your identity confidential when reporting an issue. This protects you from any potential backlash or retaliation from your employer for speaking out about misconduct. Your anonymity is crucial in ensuring that you feel safe and secure while bringing attention to unethical practices within your company.
Monetary Compensation
In some cases, whistle blowers may be entitled to a percentage of the monetary penalties or fines imposed on their company due to their report. This is known as a “qui tam” action, and it encourages employees to come forward with information and help the government recover funds lost due to illegal activities.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you are considering blowing the whistle on your employer, seeking legal counsel from a knowledgeable attorney specializing in whistle blower cases is essential. PMHP Law has a team of experienced attorneys who can help you navigate the process and protect your rights as a whistle blower.
What Can an Attorney Do For You?
When facing a whistle blower case, having an attorney on your side can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you in court if needed. Additionally, they can help you in the following ways:
- Advise you on your rights and protections under the law
- Ensure that your employer does not take any retaliatory actions against you
- Help you fight to get some of the compensation benefits
Get the Support You Need With PMHP
There’s no need to cross your fingers and hope for a good turnout. With PMHP, we can help ensure that your rights in a whistle blower case are not violated and you are left in good hands. While it may be a scary position, our attorneys will provide you with all the support and advocacy you need. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you make the right decision. Don’t delay, protect your rights as a whistle blower now.