Employees who report illegal actions by their employer are safeguarded against retaliation, such as being fired, demoted, or harassed. Although speaking out might seem risky, the law provides strong protections, and our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. is committed to fiercely defending the rights of whistleblowers in Middlesex County, NJ. Contact our firm today to learn how a Middlesex County Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyer can fight for your rights.
Middlesex County Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.
McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. represents victims of whistleblower retaliation throughout New Jersey. With our extensive experience, we stand by our clients, ready to fight for their rights and the compensation they deserve.
Middlesex County Areas Served:
- Monroe
- Woodbridge
- Piscataway
- Old Bridge
- New Brunswick
- Edison
- And More
In addition to Middlesex County, we provide our legal services to clients across New Jersey (including Burlington and Monmouth Counties), along with New York and Pennsylvania.
What is a Whistleblower?
A “whistleblower” is someone who reports an illegal action in their workplace, such as violating regulations, financial abuse, public health dangers, or more. This is a protected act, but employers may choose to take retaliatory measures against workers who blow the whistle.
What is Whistleblower Retaliation?
Whistleblower retaliation can take the form of several adverse actions by employers, including but not limited to the following:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Job transfers
- Intimidation
- Abuse
- Harassment
If you’ve experienced undue consequences or noticed other signs of retaliation for reporting illegal activities, you may have grounds for a legal retaliation claim.
What Laws Protect Against Whistleblower Retaliation?
Employees who speak out about illegal actions by employers have broad protection against retaliation. These laws include:
- Whistleblower Protection Act: a federal law that protects government workers who report illegal activities, mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or threats to public safety. Federal agencies can’t retaliate against employees or job applicants for disclosing such information.
- CEPA: an NJ law that protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace misconduct. It covers actions like firing, demotion, suspension, or discrimination for disclosing or threatening to disclose illegal activities or policy violations.
- False Claims Act: this act allows individuals to report any fraudulent acts against the government in what is known as a qui tam action.
Whistleblowers can also receive financial rewards under some state and federal statutes if their allegations are later deemed valid. An experienced whistleblower attorney can help you navigate making a claim.
Qui Tam Actions
A Qui Tam Action is a lawsuit under the False Claims Act that allows private citizens to report and sue companies or individuals defrauding the federal government. If they win, the whistleblower can receive a portion of the recovered funds. To protect their identity, the lawsuit is filed confidentially at first, and the law also protects them from being punished by their employer for coming forward.
Can a Whistleblower Remain Anonymous in NJ?
It depends. Whistleblowers can report issues anonymously using hotlines or third-party organizations, But at the time of filing a CEPA lawsuit, the identity cannot generally be kept confidential. An experienced employment attorney can help.
Our Middlesex County Whistleblower Retaliation Attorneys Can Help
If you have experienced whistleblower retaliation in Middlesex County, NJ, our dedicated attorneys at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. are here to help. We can provide a thorough evaluation of your situation, explain the applicable laws, and discuss all available legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.