Los Angeles Whistleblower Lawyers

Sometimes employers and workplace leadership break state and federal laws or violate public policy. When this occurs, employees have a right to report these infractions to external authorities who can act against illegal and unethical workplace activity. This right is protected by laws that shield whistleblowers from workplace retaliation. The whistleblower law is designed to protect employees who attempt to uncover actions perpetrated by management that can cause harm to employees or the public. If you have been retaliated against or fired for informing the public and law enforcement about illegal corporate activity, call Mesriani Law Group today for a consultation.

What is a Whistleblower?

Under California law, a whistleblower is an individual—usually an employee—who discloses information regarding illegal, unethical, or dangerous business activities. These activities often include:

• Fraud or Financial Crimes

• Workplace Discrimination or Harassment

• Health and Safety Violations (OSHA)

• Environmental Damages

• Gross Misconduct or Negligence

Reports can be made internally to the company, externally to government law enforcement agencies, or to the media.

Recognizing Whistleblower Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for reporting a violation or refusing to participate in illegal activity. Common forms of retaliation include:

• Wrongful Termination

• Demotion or Denial of Promotion

• Reduced Pay, Hours, or Benefits

• Intimidation, Harassment, or Blacklisting

• Threats of Termination to Prevent Reporting

If the reaction of those in power is detrimental to your employment or well-being after a report is made, you likely have a strong case for a retaliation claim.

How Our Attorneys Support Your Case

Building a successful whistleblower case requires meticulous strategy. The lawyers at Mesriani Law Group will help you:

1. Investigate: Collect evidence to determine exactly which laws were broken by your employer.

2. Navigate: Outline the proper legal steps to ensure your claim is heard by the correct agencies.

3. File: Ensure all formal complaints are filed with the appropriate law enforcement bodies.

4. Negotiate: Pursue a fair settlement to resolve your claim before it reaches the courts.

5. Litigate: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will aggressively file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Key Laws Protecting Whistleblowers

Several state and federal laws provide a safety net for employees who act in the public interest:

• Labor Code 1102.5 LC: Prohibits retaliation for reporting labor law violations.

• Labor Code 98.6 LC: Protects employees who report pay violations.

• The California False Claims Act (Qui Tam): Protects those reporting fraud against the state.

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Protects against retaliation for reporting discrimination.

• Labor Code 6310 LC: Specifically protects those reporting health and safety (OSHA) violations.

Whistleblower Incentives

In certain cases involving fraud against the government (Qui Tam cases), whistleblowers may be eligible for financial rewards. Under the California False Claims Act and the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, whistleblowers may recoup up to 50% of the damages recovered by the state.

Confidentiality: Your identity can often remain anonymous during the initial filing. However, if a case reaches a higher court, a public statement or testimonial may be required.

Filing Deadlines: There is no single “statute of limitations” for whistleblowing. Deadlines vary by the specific law and agency involved, ranging from 30 days to 6 years. Because these windows can be very short, it is critical to seek legal counsel immediately.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Whistleblower Attorney

If you have experienced retaliation or are considering reporting illegal activity, do not navigate this path alone. Mesriani Law Group provides the expertise needed to preserve evidence and maximize your chances of success.