What to Know About Whistleblower Protections Before Reporting

Choosing to blow the whistle, especially at a major company or government entity, will have consequences. As much as the law tries to protect NY whistleblowers from harassment and retaliation, you may inevitably face serious threats and backlash.

There are ways to protect yourself before blowing the whistle, but the best way is to contact dedicated whistleblower protection lawyer Peter Katz in New York. He can help you understand your rights, submit your claims, protect you from retaliation, and recover substantial financial compensation.

Anti-Retaliation Provisions for Whistleblowers

Most whistleblower statutes, including those under the federal False Claims Act (FCA), contain anti-retaliation provisions. These provisions protect employees and contractors, most likely to blow the whistle, from retaliation. Unfortunately, veiled workplace retaliation is a common consequence of whistleblowing. Examples include:

• Termination
• Demotion
• Harassment
• Hostile work environment
• Failure to promote
• Reduced hours and wages

An attorney can help you obtain additional compensation for unlawful workplace retaliation due to blowing the whistle, even if the government does not proceed with your claim. Most of these protections are triggered once you file a claim or participate in an investigation, not just when the judge determines illegality. Before blowing the whistle, discuss potential co-worker and employer retaliation with a whistleblower protection lawyer.

Choosing to Remain Anonymous

By confidentially connecting with a whistleblower protection lawyer, you can report your initial claims anonymously. This may work to both your advantage and the Government’s, especially if you can continue working and gathering evidence without suspicion. Some whistleblower legislation allows for anonymous reporting and even payment through a law firm, but other cases can require whistleblowers to come forward and testify. An experienced whistleblower claims attorney can help you determine whether this is a viable option in your case.

Tips from Legal Professionals and Former Whistleblowers

The Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds, the federal agency tasked with protecting whistleblowers through best practices, recommends taking the following key steps before blowing the whistle:

• Seek legal advice from an experienced whistleblower protection lawyer in your jurisdiction
• Do not engage in whistleblowing activities at work (own time and own resources)
• Consult family members
• Stick to the facts without embellishment
• Create a paper trail
• Secure and protect evidence before blowing the whistle
• Consider working with trusted colleagues

Even the federal government recommends seeking legal advice before acting or making any disclosures. Our firm has successfully handled whistleblower claims, which is the best resource for protecting yourself.

Contact New York Whistleblower Claims Attorney Peter Katz

If you suspect your company is violating federal or state law, discuss your options for blowing the whistle and recovering financial compensation with dedicated whistleblower protection lawyer Peter Katz. Call (609) 849-3179 or confidentially connect with his legal protection team online today.