Many people think that being the Whistleblower in illegal activity is terrible, but the reality is that even if it can be scary, it is the right thing to do.
It represents many risks, but with the correct legal help, you can help achieve justice. If you witness illegal or fraudulent activity, you should contact a whistleblower protection lawyer before taking action.
Do you know what a Whistleblower is?
A whistleblower is an individual who literally blows the whistle to stop wrongdoing against the state or federal government. This action is common in the workplace when an employee stands up for illegal conduct in their workplace. Federal laws and California whistleblower laws protect public and private employees alike. These laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who disclose information that the employee believes involves a violation of state or federal law or refuse to participate in an activity that would violate a state, federal, or local law.
This action is widespread in fraudulent activities, such as:
– Avoiding Taxes
– Avoiding Licensing Fees
– Withholding Payments or Reimbursements
– Discriminatory or Unlawful Hiring Practices
– Submitting Fraudulent Invoices
Fortunately, California whistleblowers are protected under the False Claims Act and state and federal Whistleblower Acts. This type of protection includes employers being prohibited from retaliating against a whistleblower. Also, employers cannot retaliate against employees who refuse to partake in illegal or unethical activities. Lastly, if a verdict or settlement is reached in a Qui tam case, the Whistleblower could receive up to 30% of the recovered amount.
The team at Aiman-Smith & Marcy is here to protect your rights and help you fight against illegal activity.
