Whistleblower

Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing wrongdoing and misconduct within their workplaces, protecting the public from potential dangers. If you have witnessed illegal or dangerous activities within your New York or New Jersey workplace and are considering blowing the whistle, it’s important to understand your rights and legal protections as a whistleblower.

The skilled team at Brustein Law understands the importance of whistleblowers in keeping the greater community safe and fights tirelessly to protect them to the fullest extent the law allows. We are here to guide and support you through the complex process of reporting misconduct. We are here to champion and empower your case and to ensure that you are protected from retaliation for doing what is right. You tell the truth, and we’ll handle the rest.

What Is a Whistleblower?

Whistleblower is the term used for an individual who exposes illegal or unethical activities within an organization, typically where they work. Individuals frequently blow the whistle on fraud, corruption, safety violations, or other forms of misconduct that pose a threat to the public. Whistleblowers essentially hold wrongdoers accountable, and often at great personal and professional risk. This is because, despite being illegal, employers or individuals at the workplace may retaliate against the whistleblower.

Legal Protections for Whistleblowers

There are a number of laws in place in New York, New Jersey, and on the federal level that provide protections for whistleblowers. It’s important to consult an experienced New York whistleblower attorney to understand which protections apply in your unique case.

  • SEC Whistleblower Program

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) offers financial incentives for individuals who report violations of federal securities laws, along with protection against retaliation. This applies generally in cases of securities draid and financial misconduct.

  • False Claims Act (FCA)

    A federal law, the FCA allows whistleblowers to bring lawsuits on behalf of the government for fraud against federal programs or contracts. If successful, the whistleblower may be entitled to a portion of whatever money is awarded as damages.

  • New York False Claims Act.

    Similar to the federal FCA, the New York False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to bring actions on behalf of the state of New York for fraud involving state programs or funds. Whistleblowers may also be entitled to a portion of the damages awarded.

  • New York Labor Law 741

    This law protects New York employees who blow the whistle on violations of state or federal laws in their workplace, shielding them from retaliation.

  • Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)

    CEPA establishes New Jersey’s protections for whistleblowers, safeguarding employees who disclose, object to, or refuse to participate in activities that they have reason to believe are illegal, fraudulent, or otherwise against public policy.

What Kind of Damages Can Brustein Law Help You Recover?

If you are facing retaliation as a whistleblower, you may be entitled to compensation and protection. The damages you may be able to recover under the various whistleblower laws include:

  • Reinstatement to your former position, if terminated or demoted due to whistleblowing.

  • Back pay for any financial harm you suffered as a result of whistleblowing.

  • Front pay to represent the future earnings lost as a result of the retaliation you’ve faced.

  • Attorney’s fees.

  • Compensatory damages, including compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering due to the retaliation.

  • Punitive damages, which the court may award to punish those at fault in rare cases where the retaliation was especially egregious.

Contact Our Experienced Whistleblower Team Today

If you are considering blowing the whistle on illegal or unethical activities in your workplace, don’t navigate the process alone. The experienced whistleblower law team at Brustein Law are here to guide you each step of the way. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your unique situation and to better understand your legal options. Your courage in coming forward deserves the support of an experienced and dedicated legal advocate. Let us help you hold those who violate the law accountable, and let us bring credibility to your truth. Your commitment to integrity is admirable and we are here to stand with you every step of the way.