Glendale Whistleblower Lawyer

Glendale Whistleblower Attorney

The 3 Types of Whistleblowing

There are three types of whistleblowing; internal, external, and personal whistleblowing.

• Internal whistleblowing. Internal whistleblowing is generally considered the first and most preferred option for whistleblowers. Internal whistleblowing occurs when an employee reports misconduct or illegal activity to someone within their organization, such as a supervisor or human resources department. The report is intended to bring attention to the issue and allow the company to address it internally.
• External whistleblowing. External whistleblowing occurs when an employee reports misconduct or illegal activity to an outside organization, such as a government agency, law enforcement, or the media. This type of whistleblowing can have severe consequences for the company and the whistleblower. Still, it may be necessary if the organization is not addressing the issue internally or if the misconduct is particularly severe.
• Personal whistleblowing. Personal whistleblowing occurs when an employee reports misconduct or illegal activity solely for their personal benefit, such as to seek revenge against a coworker or to gain an advantage in a lawsuit. Personal whistleblowing is generally not protected under whistleblower laws and can have negative consequences for the employee.

Whistleblowers should consider their options carefully before making a report, as whistleblowing can have serious consequences for the organization and the individual.

Proving Whistleblower Retaliation

Proving whistleblower retaliation can be a complex and challenging process, but it is possible to build a strong case with the proper evidence and legal representation. The following are some steps that can help you prove whistleblower retaliation:

• Identify protected activity. To prove whistleblower retaliation, you must first identify the protected activity you engaged in that led to retaliation. This could include reporting illegal or unethical behavior, refusing to participate in such behavior, or cooperating with an investigation.
• Document evidence. Keep a detailed record of any adverse actions taken against you, such as termination, demotion, or negative performance reviews. Collecting any relevant documentation, such as emails, memos, or witness statements, is essential to support your claim.
• Show a causal link. You must establish a causal link between your protected activity and the adverse actions taken against you. This could be shown through timing, where the retaliation occurred a short time after you engaged in the protected activity, or through direct evidence, such as statements made by your employer.
• Establish a pattern. If you can show a pattern of retaliation against other whistleblowers in your company or industry, it can strengthen your case and suggest a culture of retaliation.
• Seek legal assistance. Whistleblower retaliation cases can be complicated, and having the assistance of an experienced whistleblower attorney can guide you through the process while they build a strong case on your behalf.

In summary, to prove whistleblower retaliation, you must identify the protected activity you engaged in, document any adverse actions taken against you, establish a causal link between the protected activity and adverse actions, show a pattern of retaliation, and seek the assistance of an experienced whistleblower attorney.

FAQs About Glendale, CA Whistleblower Law

Do Whistleblowers Get Paid?

In the United States, several laws provide financial rewards for whistleblowers reporting certain types of misconduct. For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Whistleblower Program provides monetary awards to individuals who provide original information about violations of securities laws that result in sanctions exceeding $1 million. However, it’s important to note that not all whistleblowers receive financial rewards, and some may face negative consequences for speaking out.

What Are the Whistleblower Laws in California?

California has several laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation and provide legal recourse for employees who have been retaliated against. Some examples are the California Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), which protects state employees who report improper governmental activities from retaliation by their employer, and the California False Claims Act (CFCA), which allows private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the state against companies that have defrauded the government.

What Is a Whistleblower Lawyer?

A whistleblower lawyer is an attorney who focuses on representing individuals who report illegal or unethical activities within their workplace known as whistleblowers. These lawyers provide legal advice and representation to whistleblowers by reporting the misconduct and protecting their rights from retaliation by their employers. Whistleblower lawyers help their clients navigate the legal system and pursue legal action if necessary, such as filing a complaint with government agencies or taking legal action against their employer.

How Much Does a Whistleblower Lawyer Cost CA?

Many whistleblower lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only receive a payment if the whistleblower’s case is successful. Typically, the lawyer will receive a percentage of any financial recovery obtained through a settlement or judgment, usually between 25% and 40%.

Whistleblower Legal Representation To Defend Your Rights and Wellbeing

If you believe you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation or need legal advice on how to come forward with information, contact our Glendale whistleblower lawyer, Maralle Messrelian, today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you fight for your rights and protect your future.