Making protected disclosures or seeking compensation through a whistleblower reward law can be daunting. Finding the best attorney to handle your case can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Whistleblowers are courageous individuals who put their careers on the line to expose fraud. They deserve an attorney who will pursue their claims with a zealous approach.
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Experience
There are a variety of government statutes that protect whistleblowers who expose illegal activities in the public interest. These statutes offer protection from retaliation and monetary compensation as a reward for reporting fraud, waste, abuse of authority, or danger to public safety. A leading whistleblower attorney with years of experience in this area of law will understand the complex laws surrounding whistleblowing and how they relate to your case. They will be able to determine whether or not you have a viable claim and help you file it with the appropriate agency within the statute of limitations.
Whistleblower cases are often highly complex and require much time and resources. An experienced lawyer will be able to provide you with sound advice and strategies that are designed to protect your long-term career interests and financial security.
The most common whistleblower claims involve allegations of fraud. This can be financial fraud, such as embezzlement, bribery, and other illegal activity in the private sector, or government-related crimes, such as abuse of power or illicit activities related to public safety. Other claims may be based on workplace discrimination, such as sex, age, or disability. Some claims could also be related to environmental violations or public issues.
Reputation
The best whistleblower attorneys have an excellent reputation in the legal community. This reputation gives the attorney a greater chance of getting an individual the results they are looking for in their case. The lawyer must also understand the laws that apply to their client’s situation.
For example, a reasonable whistleblower attorney knows the laws that protect people who report their employer’s illegal or unethical activity. These are known as “public policy exceptions” to at-will employment laws. For example, employees can not be terminated if they file workers’ compensation claims or report law violations, such as the illegal use of cruise ship waste.
Whistleblower attorneys also know the laws that allow them to collect a reward if they help the government recover funds for false Medicare and Medicaid claims. The qui tam provisions in the False Claims Act, Sarbanes Oxley, and Dodd-Frank laws allow individuals to file a whistleblower claim and receive a portion of the money recovered by the government.
Another vital role of a whistleblower attorney is to protect an employee’s job from retaliation by their employer for reporting workplace violations. This retaliation may be a change in duties, denial of a promotion, unsupported discipline, or even firing an employee. The lawyer can ensure that any retaliation against an employee violates federal and state employment law.
Time
The more time a whistleblower attorney has to dedicate to your case, the better. This is important because whistleblower cases are often complicated, and filing a claim before the statute of limitations expires is essential.
If you are a government employee and have witnessed illegal or unethical activities from your superiors, you must report those actions. It can be difficult, especially when you are concerned about being retaliated against by your employer through pay cuts, demotions, or even being fired. Fortunately, many federal agencies offer whistleblower laws that protect employees and reward those who come forward with information about fraud or other wrongdoing.
Suppose you believe you have evidence of fraud, bribery, mismanagement of funds, or a threat to public health and safety. In that case, contacting an experienced whistleblower lawyer is essential. Whistleblower attorney has extensive experience helping employees qualify for governmental rewards and legal protections in exchange for whistleblowing tips. We represent clients nationwide in claims filed under all major federal programs. To learn more about our qualifications and commitment to our clients, see what our previous clients have had to say about working with us. Then, please get in touch with us to set up your consultation with our firm.
Resources
A whistleblower’s career can be jeopardized if their employer retaliates against them. That can mean being fired or denied a promotion, involuntary transfer, or removal of responsibilities. In some cases, retaliation may also include harassment or discrimination.
Whistleblower attorneys have resources available to them that can help protect an individual’s rights in the event of retaliation. They understand federal and state laws protecting employees from retaliation and how they relate to the whistleblower’s claim for rewards and compensation.
They also have access to outside experts and investigators who can support a case. This can be important because whistleblower cases are complex and require extensive documentation. Having an attorney who can help an individual gather the necessary evidence, file the claim, and fight for their rights in court is a good idea.
An experienced whistleblower attorney can increase the chances of success in a case, mitigate any risk of being “outed,” and provide sound advice throughout the process. While predicting the outcome of any legal action is impossible, having an experienced attorney can make a difference. The right lawyer can also help an individual fight against any retaliation that they may face due to blowing the whistle on their employer’s misconduct.