A whistleblower is a person who reports risky or unlawful activities at work. Many different statutes protect employees who blow the whistle. If you are aware of misconduct at your place of employment, you should talk to a business lawyer in Denver, or anywhere else, about your options and they will be able to assist you in protecting your rights and guide you through the legalities of your case. Choosing an attorney with experience and a good track record with your type of case increases the likelihood of success.
Filing a Lawsuit
Whistleblowers protect the public from unsafe practices and other unlawful conduct. They deserve tenacious advocates who are committed to protecting their rights. When you file a whistleblower case, the complaint will lay out all the facts you know about the wrongdoing and list any witnesses. Your lawyer will also prepare a disclosure statement which will be given to government lawyers and investigators. The disclosure statement will help the investigators focus their investigation of your case by giving them a roadmap of the evidence you have uncovered. As the lawsuit proceeds, each party will be allowed to request information from each other.
The lawyer for the government will also ask you questions in the form of Admissions (ordering that you admit or deny certain statements), Interrogatories (detailed questions concerning the facts of your case), and Production (requesting the opposing party to produce documents). As with any legal matter, it is important to choose an attorney whose judgment you trust. In a whistleblower case, you will likely be working with your attorney for an extended period. Moreover, whistleblower attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid if they win the case.
Protecting Your Confidentiality
Whether a whistleblower case involves exposing corruption at your workplace or reporting a false claim to the government, you need an attorney to protect you from retaliation. An experienced attorney from a top firm can help you understand federal and state whistleblower laws, including your rights and protections. You must have original and provable evidence when you blow the whistle on a company. Rumors and innuendo do not qualify as proof of wrongdoing. A skilled whistleblower lawyer will ensure you have the necessary documentation to support your claims. A whistleblower may be eligible for a reward if they provide information to the appropriate authorities. This compensation is usually a percentage of the amount the government or regulating agency recovers due to the whistleblower’s information. Depending on the type of case, there may be different procedures to follow for making a protected disclosure and obtaining a reward. When choosing a whistleblower attorney, consider the law firm’s reputation for client service and the quality of the legal representation. A top whistleblower lawyer will have extensive experience and a strong track record of success. To learn more about a legal firm’s client service practices, browse online testimonials and reviews. It is also important to determine if the attorneys you are considering have extensive experience litigating whistleblower cases through trial.
Obtaining a Reward
Whistleblowers must understand that the law offers multiple protections when someone reports wrongdoing. These laws include protections against retaliation by their employers and even protection from retaliation against them if they successfully bring forward a case. It is also important for whistleblowers to know that the law provides rewards if their actions lead to an award of funds from the government. There are various whistleblower programs with different reward amounts. Whistleblowers must talk with a lawyer to assess whether or not they can claim a reward for their actions. An attorney should have extensive experience with whistleblower cases, including successfully bringing claims to a successful resolution. It includes getting the largest-ever tips for Medicare fraud and securities fraud. Because successful whistleblower cases often take years to litigate, finding a firm that can provide you with sufficient talent and resources over an extended period is essential. A lawyer’s reputation is also an important factor. It is vital that an attorney work on a contingency basis for whistleblower cases and does not bill by the hour. It is also a good idea to ask an attorney who they will be working with on your case and whether they have a team of lawyers that will be helping with the work.
Defending Your Claim
A whistleblower case involves an individual, revealing illegal or dangerous activity within a company or organization. Typically, the individual will report the improper activity to someone they know, such as a supervisor, human resources, or compliance department employee. They may also choose to report the information externally. Regardless of how individuals convey the data, they often hope their employer will address the issue and take corrective action. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many companies retaliate against whistleblowers through wrongful termination, demotion, docking pay, harassment, and intimidation. These retaliatory actions could violate federal and state anti-retaliation laws depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to speak with a lawyer when your employer takes adverse action against you to safeguard your rights and ensure you do not lose out on the chance to complain. To prove your case and initiate a lawsuit against the employer, your lawyer will assist you in gathering proof. Whistleblower cases are often complex and require the involvement of multiple government agencies. Having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side is vital to the success of your case.