It might be complicated to know what to do or who to contact if you learn that your organization has committed wrongdoings. Many individuals are scared that disclosing corporate malfeasance may jeopardize their careers. In line with having one of the finest employee-friendly states, California has rigorous regulations known as Whistleblower Protection Laws, which shield employees from employer retribution and encourage them to report workplace abnormalities. Being informed of the laws and policies relating to whistleblowing with skilled legal support from the lawyers at UELG can be very beneficial to you. California has several whistleblower laws, breaches of which can result in severe disciplinary measures to offending businesses.
How to file a whistleblower complaint? Here are the steps to follow:
- Record the Matter: Carefully record all relevant information about the issue, such as the dates, times, parties involved, and any supporting documentation. Your case is strengthened by solid facts and documentation.
- Determine Relevant Laws: Find out whether particular whistleblower protection statutes are relevant to your circumstances. Different businesses or kinds of wrongdoing may be covered by different laws. Individuals are encouraged to report such incidents fearlessly under whistleblower laws in California that offer legal rights and protections, some of which apply to public employment, and others which include private employers. Below are some of the laws protecting whistleblowers:
➙ Government Code Section 8547, et seq. (known as the California Whistleblower Protection Act) addresses California state employees’ freedom to disclose waste, fraud, legal infractions, or hazards to their health and safety without fear of reprisal. When state lawmakers realized that employees could be able to freely expose waste, fraud, abuse of authority, legal infractions, or risks to public safety without worrying about consequences, the Legislature concluded that public servants most successfully serve the public interest when they can carry out their duties with integrity. The team of employment discrimination lawyers at UELG are well versed in handling Whistleblower cases in California, so it is beneficial if you connect with us if facing any whistleblower issues. Our competent whistleblower attorney in Los Angeles will also help you understand your whistleblower rights in the state.
➙ California Labor Code Section 1102.5 (and associated statutes) further protect employees of public as well as private employers in the event they witness and report a violation of state of federal statute, a violation or noncompliance with a local, state or federal rule or regulation (including reporting illegal discrimination or harassment in violation of Government Code section 12940 et seq.), or with reference to employee safety or health, unsafe working conditions or work practices in the employee’s employment or place of employment.
➙ Other California statutes protect employees who complain about billing fraud and other fraudulent activities toward state or other governmental bodies (Government Code section 12650, or the False Claim Act); employees of health care facilities from retaliation for reporting matters affecting patient safety (Health and Safety Code section 1278); and employees who have complained of employee safety or other work safety issues (Labor Code 6310). Federal laws also protect whistleblowers, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, found at 18 U.S.C. section 1514A, which prohibits any publicly traded company (or their officers, employees or agents) from retaliating against an employee who provides information which may reasonably be believed to be a violation of federal law relating to fraud against shareholders.
- Discuss with an Employment Lawyer: Seek the advice of a whistleblower attorney in Los Angeles as they can offer you skilled and knowledgeable guidance and advice about the legal facets and nuances of your case.
- Draft a detailed complaint, and send it to the appropriate authorities: Draft a detailed Whistleblower Complaint that provides specific facts of the alleged misbehavior, highlights important details, and refers to pertinent legal laws. Send your complaint to the relevant regulatory body, which depends on the nature of the issue.
- Observe Company Procedures: Comply with any internal reporting guidelines that your company may have provided. Before taking concerns further, it is advisable to follow certain protocols provided by some businesses for reporting issues.
- Cooperate with Inquiries: Provide comprehensive assistance with any inquiries conducted by regulatory agencies or your place of employment. As asked, provide any further details or supporting evidence.
- Maintain Records of Negative Acts or Violence: Keep track of any instances when you were the target of reprisals or other negative acts because as a whistleblower you reported wrongdoings at your workplace. When building a case, this evidence may be extremely important.
- Stay Updated: Remain updated on the investigation’s status as well as any changes or developments involving your case. Your whistleblower attorney in Los Angeles will guide you through any developments and strive to make sure your rights are upheld.
- Employ Legal Remedies: Speak with your attorney to discuss your options for any conceivable legal remedies, such as a lawsuit, if you become the victim of retaliation or insufficient action.
How can the employment lawyers at UELG assist whistleblowers?
Cases involving whistleblower violations are complex and need not be addressed and managed on your own. To refute your allegations, your company may be represented by a skilled defense lawyer. UELG’s skilled, knowledgeable and experienced whistleblower retaliation attorneys will help you assert and understand your legal rights. Our employment attorneys have extensive experience with whistleblower retaliation claims; please contact them if you experience retaliation as a whistleblower. Whistleblower attorney Los Angeles is committed to not only stand up for your rights when you have experienced unjust actions by your employer for engaging in protected behavior as a whistleblower, but also to seek the appropriate compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Handling whistleblower situations can be sensitive, difficult and complex. Seeking legal advice from proficient and skilled whistleblower attorneys such as UELG can significantly impact a case’s outcome. With a wealth of knowledge from a variety of sectors, our attorneys give each whistleblower the individual attention they deserve to make sure they get the respect and reward they are due. Connect with us at (888) 545-0013 today to secure your future.
