Stockton Whistleblower Lawyer

Stockton Whistleblower Attorney

Unfortunately, misconduct and illegal actions take place within the workplace every day. Within what may seem like an efficient, law-abiding organization may be practices and policies that harm employees or the public good. A whistleblower, or someone who exposes these illegal practices, can make a positive difference in some circumstances. If you have brought such information to light, a Stockton whistleblower lawyer can represent your interests.

Your fight as a whistleblower often begins after you have filed a report. There may be many individuals, including your employer and other people in authority, who threaten your job and other areas of your life. As a citizen and an employee, you have certain rights to report criminal activity. It is important to understand what these rights are and how a lawyer can protect them.

What Is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of sharing accurate information about illegal actions. This often happens when an employee informs the authorities about misconduct by their company or employer. The employee may contact a government organization, such as the Department of Justice. They can often provide evidence of the illegal actions they were witnesses to.

Employees are considered whistleblowers if they offer information about the following:

• Their workplace or employer has violated state or federal law.
• Their workplace or employer violated their employee’s safety and health through dangerous working conditions or practices.

Where Do Whistleblowers Report To?

There are a few places where a person may report information concerning illegal workplace actions. Some examples include the following:

• A government supervisor within the workplace
• A regional OSHA office
• The Department of Justice through the appropriate hotline or online portal
• Any government organization that has an avenue through which to report illegal activity

If you are unsure about the right way to pursue legal action against what you have witnessed, a lawyer can guide you. Choosing the right lawyer is important, as it can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of filing a report. If you face retaliation or some other pushback from your employer, an attorney can provide an appropriate defense if necessary.

Protection for Whistleblowers

In California, whistleblowers are legally protected in a variety of ways. They have the right to share information concerning their employers if they believe them to be engaged in criminal activity. They also have the right to maintain their position and be free from any form of retaliation by their employer.

State law protects employee whistleblowers in these specific ways:

• Employers are not permitted to create or enforce any rule that hinders an employee from whistleblowing.
• An employer is not permitted to take action against an employee who has been a whistleblower.
• Employers cannot retaliate against an employee for their refusal to participate in actions that violate federal or state laws.
• Employers are not permitted to penalize an employee for any past whistleblowing action they were involved in during any previous employment.

What If My Employer Retaliated Against Me?

There can be significant consequences for employers who have violated their employee’s whistleblowing rights. In addition to being required to reinstate their employee’s position, salary, and benefits, an employer may also be forced to pay some forms of compensation. This may include compensation for lost wages or paying civil monetary fines.

FAQs

What Is the Average Whistleblower Settlement?

The settlement in a whistleblower case will depend on the specific details of the case, including

• The crime that has been brought to light
• The business or agency that was involved
• All the damages (if any) that resulted from the illicit acts

Whistleblower cases can involve fraud and abuse, various kinds of trafficking, and environmental negligence. The severity of the case can have a direct effect on the resulting settlement.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Be a Whistleblower?

In Stockton, wit is not legally required to have a lawyer when reporting important information regarding a crime or misconduct at work. However, it can be highly beneficial to have someone who can legally advise and defend you. Once you make a report, there may be individuals within your company who may seek to target you in various ways. Additionally, a lawyer can make sure you receive any benefits and rewards you deserve from sharing information.

Can a Whistleblower Be Sued?

Generally, it can be difficult for a whistleblower to be sued. Citizens are often encouraged to report misconduct and crimes to the appropriate sources, provided their reports are based on what they believe to be factual information. Various institutions, such as the Department of Justice, work hard to make sure citizens can safely express their concerns about and present evidence of criminal activity.

What Proof Do You Need as a Whistleblower?

Various types of evidence can be helpful in a whistleblower case. Anything that points to an individual having committed a crime can be used as evidence, such as:

• Emails
• Text messages
• Phone calls
• Letters
• Voicemails
• Meeting minutes
• Logs of time worked
• Video surveillance

The more physical evidence a lawyer has, the better their chances are of getting the court to see and agree with your claim.

Asbill Law Group: Your Whistleblower Lawyers

If you have filed a report regarding the illegal conduct of your employer or company, you may be facing opposition in many ways. It is important to find legal representation that can support your claim and fight for your rights. It is also critical to be accurately aware of your rights. That way, you can gain all the benefits and rewards you deserve because of your brave decision to speak up. A lawyer can help you achieve all this and more.

At Asbill Law Group, we understand the complexities that come with all whistleblower cases. We also understand the courage it took for you to get to this point. Our firm can make sure you are protected from any backlash or ill-treatment. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can defend you.