Whistleblower Retaliation

When you expose your employer for wrongdoings or misconduct, it can be a huge risk. Although whistleblowers are operating by their own moral code, and even the law, they can face negative consequences for revealing the truth. A whistleblower retaliation lawyer in Torrence & Redondo Beach, CA, can help you recover damages if you have been targeted.

Employers who want their inner workings to be kept secret may become angry after a whistleblower makes their actions public; in some cases, they may decide to take punitive action against the individual, which can lead to financial, social, and emotional damages. 

At the Employee Law Group, we work for you. Our team is here to help protect you against retaliation acts and help you recover damages you sustain from an employer’s actions against you after whistleblowing.

It isn’t an easy decision to whistleblow, but you may feel as though you have no choice after your concerns have gone unaddressed. In many cases, whistleblowers were told to keep quiet about issues in the workplace, or they were dismissed by management and HR.

Whistleblower retaliation is any act of revenge an employer takes against an employee to punish them for speaking out. These actions can range from explicit warnings to more subtle, damaging acts that harm a person’s emotional wellbeing and even financial health. 

Examples of whistleblower retaliation include:

• Wrongful termination
• Threats to harm you or your family members
• Failing to pay you on time or withholding pay
• Denying you overtime, bonuses, or other compensation 
• Denying you rightfully owed time off
• Reducing or canceling benefits, such as health insurance 
• Demoting your position and even lowering your pay without just cause
• Assigning you tasks that fall outside your job position 
• Refusing to let you transfer 
• Denying rightful promotions
• Threatening to take punitive actions against you
• Isolating you from meetings and social events
• Leaving you out of training or withholding any professional development opportunities 
• Blacklisting you so you are unable to find other work in the industry 

Have you been a victim of any of these actions? If so, contact us today. We can help you explore your legal options. We’re here to help.

In the state of California, employers can be held legally responsible for any damages a person suffers as a result of whistleblower retaliation. Taking revenge against an employee for revealing misdeeds, unsafe work conditions, or illegal work practices are not permissible in any case. 

There are many major organizations that help protect employees from whistleblowing retaliation, depending on their industry. Examples include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Wage and Hour Division (WHD), and The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

Furthermore, the state’s Division of Labor and Attorney General handle complaints of whistleblower retaliation. You have rights and deserve to pursue justice if you have been targeted by your current or former employer. 

The first thing we will do is consult with you to understand your case. We want to hear about the unique circumstances surrounding your whistleblowing. What caused you to report your employer? What were the consequences of your actions? How did the employer retaliate against you? 

These questions will help us determine whether you have a strong case for whistleblower retailiation and how we may help. 

Whistleblower retaliation often involves other crimes, such as workplace theft and discrimination. In these cases, you may be entitled to backpay, withheld payments, and other damages.

Our team will help you determine what damages you qualify for and how you can pursue restitution. We work hard to help our clients get the justice they deserve. 

In the state of California, immigration status does not affect your workers’ rights. Even undocumented immigrants are not allowed to be terminated, discriminated against, harassed, or harmed. We represent everyone regardless of race, gender, or immigration status. You have rights that deserve protection.

Contact the Employee Law Group to learn more about how we can help. Attorneys David A. Mallen and Debra A. Lauzen will listen to your case and help you determine the best course of action. Please schedule an appointment online today. You can also call or text us at 310-606-0065.