Derek Smith Law Group / Employment Law / Whistleblower Attorneys / Whistleblower Retaliation

Whistleblower Retaliation

Based on 500+ Select Nationwide Reviews

Free Case Review

The Fee Is Free Unless You Win.
Top Rated Employment Law Firm
Protecting Families Since 1995
$400 Million Won

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Workplace Whistleblower and Retaliation Lawyer
You Cannot Get Fired from Work Because You Blew the Whistle Against Your Employer.
What Is a Whistleblower in the Workplace?
What Are Illegal Activities in the Workplace?
What Federal Laws Protect Whistleblowers from Retaliation at Work?
What Is Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct or Illegal Activities?
What Are the Rights of Victims of Retaliation in the Workplace?
What Is the Average Settlement for Whistleblower Retaliation Claims?
How Can A Whistleblower Attorney Help Your Retaliation Case?
Call Our Dedicated Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyers Today for Your Free Consultation

Workplace Whistleblower and Retaliation Lawyer

You Cannot Get Fired from Work Because You Blew the Whistle Against Your Employer.

An employee has a right and an obligation to report any illegal activity in the workplace. Doing so is known as whistleblower activity. Unfortunately, employers may react to whistleblowers through retaliation.

When your employer retaliates against you because you blew the whistle or participated in other protected activities, you have the right to seek compensation. You need a whistleblower attorney who will stand by your side and help you fight back against illegal punishments against whistleblowers at work.

What Is a Whistleblower in the Workplace?

A whistleblower is an employee who sees illegal activities in the workplace and makes a conscious effort to report them to someone who can act on the information.

The person may report the information, agree to testify against their employer, or cooperate with an investigation. They may report the information to a government agency, police, or FBI.

What Are Illegal Activities in the Workplace?

Illegal activities in the workplace can fall under two main categories.

Financial Crimes. Financial crimes include any crimes relating to securities fraud or embezzlement. Financial crimes also cover issues such as mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Violations. FLSA violations include issues relating to unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, misclassifying employees, OSHA violations, and wage deductions, to name a few.

What Federal Laws Protect Whistleblowers from Retaliation at Work?

Whistleblowers are essential to ensure businesses stay honest. They help protect the public from illegal activities involving investments, tax dollars, and the workplace. The following laws protect whistleblowers from illegal punishments and wrongful termination.

1. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act protects whistleblowers who work for publicly traded companies. Whistleblowers can file claims for retaliation within 180 days of the event. An employee that reports issues of the following qualify for whistleblower retaliation protection under the law:

Mail fraud
Wire fraud
Bank fraud
Securities fraud
Shareholder fraud
Securities and Exchange Act (SEC) violations

2. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act defines a whistleblower as an employee who reports any securities fraud to the SEC. The law protects whistleblowers from retaliation for reporting illegal activities. It even provides compensation for whistleblowers who act on behalf of the government’s claim (Qui Tam).
Dodd-Frank gives you six years to file your claim for whistleblower retaliation.

3. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA). OSHA handles any health and safety regulations for workplaces. This law includes issues dealing with asbestos, safety concerns, and general workplace health concerns. First, you should report a concern to your manager. If your manager fails to act, you can file your claim with OSHA.

What Is Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct or Illegal Activities?

You should say something when you see illegal activities in the workplace. However, many employers may wish to take action against you as a result. This behavior is known as retaliation and is illegal.

Retaliation can occur in any of the following ways:

Wrongful termination
Demotion
Reduction of hours
Change in schedule
Sudden poor performance reviews
Denial of promotions
Denial of salary increases
Unwanted and sudden transfers
Creating a hostile work environment
Reduction in salary or hourly rate

What Are the Rights of Victims of Retaliation in the Workplace?

If you are the victim of retaliation for reporting misconduct or illegal activities, you have rights. You may file a lawsuit in federal court or a complaint with the Department of Labor. The statute of limitations varies depending on the case. Contact an experienced whistleblower lawyer to ensure you file your claim within the time limits allowed by the law.

What Is the Average Settlement for Whistleblower Retaliation Claims?

Compensation for retaliation against whistleblowers gets determined on a case-by-case basis. The courts will often consider the type of punishment you faced, the money you lost, and the likelihood your employer would retaliate against other whistleblowers in the future. You may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, legal fees, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even punitive damages. Your employer may need to reinstate your job as well.

Discuss your options for relief with a dedicated whistleblower lawyer to determine your rights to compensation.

Testimonials

Hear From Our Valued Clients

Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.

During the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial

Phyllis Parker

Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.

Wally Peczon

Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial

Tali Loya

It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

Corey Kientz

You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!

Marissa Shander

Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

jessica gonzalez

Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

Get Help for Workplace Discrimination

Our dedicated attorneys are ready to fight for your workplace rights and ensure justice!

Free Consultation 800 807 2209

How Can A Whistleblower Attorney Help Your Retaliation Case?

A whistleblower deserves protection from retaliation for doing the right thing. The laws provide this protection. However, employers may ignore the law, resulting in punishments, like getting fired from work or demoted. When you experience retaliation, you need an attorney who knows the law and can help you stand up for your legal rights.

Your whistleblower attorney can help you file your retaliation claim under the proper laws and within the proper time limit. Your attorney will advocate for your rights while negotiating for a settlement from the moment you decide to file your claim.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

Call Our Dedicated Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyers Today for Your Free Consultation

When you report illegal activities in the workplace, you do not deserve any form of employer retaliation. When your employer takes his anger out on you, you have the right to stand up for justice. If you are the victim of whistleblower retaliation in the workplace, the Derek Smith Law Group’s experienced retaliation attorneys can help.

Did You Experience Retaliation Because You Reported Your Employer’s Illegal Activities? Did You Get Fired from Work Because You Agreed to Testify in Court, Cooperate with an Investigation, or Provide Evidence of Illegal Activities in the Workplace? Please Call Us at 800.807.2209 to Learn More About Your Rights.

Our Attorneys

Serving Major Cities Across the United States

Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.