Whistleblowers are crucial to help expose misconduct, corruption, and corporate fraud in the workplace. However, being a whistleblower can make you concerned about your employment afterward. It is possible for whistleblowers to have their employers retaliate against them, which include things like harassment, a demotion, or even being fired from their job. These adverse actions are intended to punish the whistleblower, but are actually illegal. Here is what you need to know about the laws designed to protect whistleblowers from being retaliated against.
What Is Whistleblower Retaliation?
It will help to know more about what exactly whistleblower retaliation is. This is when an employer takes some sort of action against the person that informed the authorities about the illegal actions the employer was doing. Retaliation is illegal because it undermines the entire point of being a whistleblower, which is to make sure that businesses are responsible and accountable for their actions. That's why whistleblowers have rights that can protect them under the law.
What Are The Legal Protections Offered To Whistleblowers?
There are state and federal laws designed to protect whistleblowers. It is worth having a lawyer do some research on your behalf to let you know how the laws apply to your specific situation in your state. Foe example, if you are dealing with legal matters regarding stock trading, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will apply to your situation.
Who Is Protected By Whistleblower Protection Laws?
Be aware that the protections offered to whistleblowers not only include the original whistleblower, but anybody else that participates in the investigation. This means that you do not have to fear retaliation by simply answering questions from law enforcement about the illegal activity. This can give others peace of mind that they can speak up as a witness to events that happened. It is even possible for the initial whistleblower to remain anonymous when reporting the misconduct.
What Can Be Done If You Face Whistleblower Retaliation?
If your employer took action against you for being a whistleblower, possible remedies include being reinstated to your previous position at the company or one that is comparable. You can also receive back pay for time that you were not working or demoted. Compensatory damages can be awarded for the emotional distress that you went through by being retaliated against. If you cannot be reinstated to your previous job, front pay can be awarded for future lost compensation.
For more information, contact a whistleblower lawyer near you.
