How to Protect Yourself From Violation of Whistleblowing Laws

Briefly, under the laws of the United States, a whistleblower is an employee who "tells" or “squeals” on an employer, because he or she reasonably believed that the employer has committed an illegal act. He/she may be an employee, a former employee, or a member of an organization who reports misconduct to authorities who possess the power to take corrective action. Generally the misconduct involved is a violation of law, rule, regulation and/or a direct threat to public interest.

Whistleblowers are protected under U.S. laws and the firing of such whistleblowers is considered to be a violation of whistleblowing laws. Legal protection for whistleblowers vary according to the subject matter of the whistleblowing, and the state in which the case occurs. Congressional records show that the Senate Judiciary Committee, in passing the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act, found that whistleblower protections were dependent on the "patchwork and vagaries" of varying state statutes.  Still, a myriad set of federal and state laws shield employees who call attention to violations, cooperate and assist in enforcement proceedings, or refuse to follow unlawful directions.

If you are a victim of a violation of whistleblowing laws, and need legal assistance in protecting your rights, call us today.