WHISTLEBLOWER RETALIATION LAWYERS
Employees who witness illegal conduct in the workplace or are asked to engage in unlawful activities are in a difficult position. Those workers may feel like they have to choose between their job and their conscience. Under California’s whistleblower protection laws, you can speak up without fear of retaliatory action by your employer.
At Bracamontes & Vlasak, P.C., we counsel and represent whistleblowers who are compelled to do the right thing. Our experienced employment law attorneys can advise on how to report fraud or other illegal behavior, and we will aggressively represent you if there is any backlash. We have held California employers accountable for wrongful termination and other retaliation against protected whistleblowers.
With offices in Oakland and San Francisco, BV Law serves the Bay Area and surrounding counties of Northern California. Call us today at 415-835-6777 to discuss your whistleblower rights.
California’s Whistleblower Statute
California Labor Code Section 1102.5 protects employees who notify law enforcement or regulatory agencies that an employer is engaging in criminal practices or violating a state or federal statute, rule, or regulation, such as:
- Fraud against a government agency
- Environmental violations (pollution, illegal dumping)
- OSHA violations and unsafe working conditions
- Discriminatory practices
- Price fixing or other unfair competition
- SEC violations (insider trading, investor fraud)
California’s whistleblower statute applies to both private and public employers, including cities, counties, school districts, and other governmental entities.
Whistleblower Protections And Remedies
In spite of the law, whistleblowers often face tangible adverse employment actions such as termination, demotion, transfer, reduced hours or poor performance reviews. The retaliation can also take the form of harassment and isolation, creating a hostile work environment. We sometimes advise clients to continue working to document the retaliatory behavior, but you may also have grounds to sue for constructive termination if you were forced to quit your job because of the backlash.
Per the Labor Code, you may be entitled to reinstatement to your job; monetary compensation such as back pay, front pay, and other compensatory damages; and damages for infliction of emotional distress. To further punish employers and encourage whistleblowers, the statute provides for fines of up to $10,000 for each violation.
We urge employees to reach out to us early, but often we are contacted after the conduct has been ongoing. If you at first looked the other way or even if you were pressured to participate in illegal activity, you may still be entitled to whistleblower status. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you take the right steps and protect your interests.
The Bay Area whistleblower retaliation lawyers of Bracamontes & Vlasak offer a free initial consultation. Call 415-835-6777 or Contact us online.
