Since 1986, the United States has recovered millions of dollars from organizations who defrauded governmental programs under the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) and various states have similarly recovered large sums under state laws. The largest percentage of government recoveries resulted from the efforts of whistleblowers. Whistleblowers are private individuals who publicly allege a group of people or organization of engaging in concealed misconduct. 

Whistleblower Statutes Protecting Whistleblowers

Whistleblower statutes protects employees, who are in the uncomfortable position of being warned by their employers not to report of their wrongdoings and knowing that if they do not report the misconduct, they might be liable as well. Unsurprisingly, employers also sometimes take unethical and retaliatory action against whistleblowers. Whistleblower statutes may prohibit dismissal or other retaliatory action against whistleblowers and may also provide whistleblower rewards.

Each State has Different Whistleblower Statutes

Whistleblower statutes vary in a number of aspects from state to state.

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Some states only provide protection for public employees and those working for government contractors. Some states’ whistleblower statutes extend protection to other co-workers who assist a whistleblower; some only protect a person if he is an internal employee of the person or corporation he is blowing the whistle on.  Most whistleblower statutes limit remedies that a whistleblower may recover to actual damages, such as back pay or fringe benefits.

Know Your State’s Whistleblower Statutes

Knowing or learning your state’s whistleblower statutes is important for knowing what whistleblower protection and remedies, if any, your state is affording you as a whistleblower.  Blowing the whistle on your employer can often cause both financial and emotional injuries. Our whistleblower lawyers can help you understand your rights and protection under the federal whistleblower statute and state statutes. Whistleblower statutes often dictate how much monetary compensation whistleblowers are entitled to. 

Importance of Finding a Good Whistleblower Lawyer

While knowing whistleblower statutes are important, finding a good whistleblower lawyer is equally important in a filing and winning a whistleblower lawsuit. The attorneys at Bernstein Leibhard are are experienced in representing plaintiffs in whistleblower cases.  They are able to provide expert information on different states’ whisteblower statutes.  If you think you may have a whistleblower lawsuit, contact one of our whistleblower lawyers today.