Burbank Whistleblower Lawyer

Witnessing unethical or illegal activities at work can be an overwhelming experience. You may have experienced many feelings before deciding to come forward with the information. Sometimes employers may not be understanding, and there may be unfair consequences due to coming forward with information as a whistleblower. In these situations, it is paramount to have an experienced Burbank whistleblower lawyer on your side to protect you from retaliation.

Why Choose MM Law in Burbank, California

MM Law is a boutique law firm where our legal team prides itself on providing personalized legal counsel to clients in cities throughout California, including Burbank. Our founding attorney, Maralle Messrelian, has many years of experience in the legal field and works directly with each client.

We are a contingency law firm, meaning no legal fees are required to be paid initially and are only owed if we are successful in your case. We are also well-versed in local laws. Our team understands the fear and risk that come with whistleblowing, and we want to do what we can to protect you.

Laws Related to Whistleblowing

There are over 20 whistleblower statutes related to filing a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The statutes are enforced by OSHA. Whistleblowing is defined as reporting evidence to the authorities of the following misconduct:

• An abuse of authority
• A gross waste of funds
• A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety
• Gross mismanagement
• A violation of any law, rule, or regulation

There are several types of whistleblower cases, and our team is well-versed in all types, including the following:

• Internal whistleblowers
• Anonymous whistleblowers
• External whistleblowers
• Fraud whistleblowers
• Public employee whistleblowers
• Health and safety whistleblowers

There are several laws related to whistleblowers in order to protect them. Listed below are the primary federal whistleblower laws:

• False Claims Act (FCA): This act serves to protect employees who report fraud that takes place against the government.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): This act protects employees against security fraud for employees of publicly traded companies.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act): This act can protect employees who report safety hazards in the workplace.
• Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA): This act serves to protect federal employees who are whistleblowers from facing retaliation.
• California Insurance Claims Fraud Prevention Act: This act is specific to California. It serves to stop fraud against private insurers. There are also financial rewards that are possible under this act.

Whistleblower Complaints in California

In 2024, there were 25 whistleblower complaints filed in California. Only five of these complaints were accepted. In 2023, only about 8 percent of complaints were accepted out of 28 complaints that were filed.

Individuals can file complaints either in person at the nearest OSHA Regional or Area Office, which is the Van Nuys District Office for Burbank residents, by telephone, fax, email, or online with the Online Whistleblower Complaint Form. It is important to report any knowledge of complaints promptly due to timeline restrictions.

Hire a Whistleblower Lawyer in Burbank Who Aims to Get Results

It is important to hire a whistleblower lawyer in Burbank, CA, who understands the laws regarding whistleblowing. Without an attorney, whistleblower cases can be overlooked or may not be accepted for various reasons. When considering blowing the whistle at work, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Different kinds of whistleblower cases include unsafe conditions, corporate fraud, government corruption, and other situations that are illegal. The goal of having a lawyer is to protect yourself when reporting these situations.

FAQs

What Is a Whistleblower Entitled to in California?

In California, whistleblowers are sometimes entitled to rewards permitted by the False Claims Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Due to both of these acts, whistleblowers can receive up to 30 percent of the funds that are recovered because of the information that is received. However, this does not apply in every case.

The individuals who qualify for whistleblower rights include current and past employees, subcontractors, independent contractors, healthcare workers, government workers, as well as interns and volunteers.

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Whistleblower Complaint?

The time limit for filing a whistleblower complaint varies depending on the specific law. Time limits range from 30 days to up to 180 days after the qualifying event occurs. For example, the Clean Air Act is up to 30 days, the International Safe Container Act (ISCA) is up to 60 days, the Anti-Money Laundering Act is up to 90 days, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is up to 180 days.

The timeline starts after the adverse action occurs, such as being fired, and is communicated to the employees.

What Is Not Covered Under Whistleblowing Laws?

Several things are not covered under whistleblowing laws. One such thing is personal grievances. The Good Faith requirement specifies that personal grievances are not to be disclosed and are not protected under the whistleblower protections. It is also not covered if you are found to have made false statements on purpose.

Sometimes, unsubstantiated rumors are not covered either. The information provided as a whistleblower must come from a valid source, as having only suspicion is not usually enough for a case.

What Qualifies as a Whistleblower Complaint?

A qualified whistleblower complaint is when you have information that indicates illegal activity or fraud, such as government fraud, medical fraud, or IRS fraud, that is occurring at your place of employment. It qualifies as a whistleblower complaint if you become aware of the fraud at your workplace, within reasonable knowledge. It is important to have evidence of some kind to succeed with filing the complaint.

Contact MM Law for a Free Consultation

If you need a Burbank whistleblower attorney, reach out to our team directly for a free consultation. Our primary office is located at 500 N Brand Blvd, Suite 2000, in Glendale, California.

Do not hesitate to contact Maralle Messrelian at MM Law to learn more about what our legal team can do to support your whistleblower case.​​ Even if your case requires litigation, we can advocate for you at the Burbank Courthouse on East Olive Avenue.