A whistleblower reports wrongdoing, such as fraud, waste, or abuse, to the authorities. Whistleblowers can be employees, contractors, or even members of the public. Whistleblowing can be risky, as whistleblowers may fear retribution from their superiors or other influential parties. However, they can also be rewarded for their courage, as they may be eligible for financial rewards and other protections. Whistleblower lawyer are attorneys who specialize in representing whistleblowers. They may offer assistance and guidance as well as assist them in navigating the difficult legal procedure of submitting a whistleblower claim.
What are whistleblower law firms?
Whistleblower law firms are law firms that specialize in representing whistleblowers. With their expertise and means, these businesses help them get the justice they deserve. If someone believes they have witnessed wrongdoing, they should contact a whistleblower lawyer to discuss their options. They can defend themselves from reprisal and establish if they have a legitimate whistleblower claim with the assistance of a lawyer.
When choosing a lawyer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Experience:
- Make sure the lawyer hired has experience in whistleblower law. It is a tricky area of the law, thus a lawyer should be able to handle it.
Reputation:
- Check the lawyer’s reputation. Inquire for recommendations from trusted people, and you can also check online reviews.
Fees:
- The majority of the time, these lawyers are paid based on how well they do, which means they get compensated if they succeed in a case. Before hiring a lawyer, one should inquire about the cost.
Whistleblower Laws in the United States
Whistleblower laws in the United States provide financial rewards and other protections for reporting wrongdoing.
- The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to file lawsuits against companies that have defrauded the government. Those who are successful in their suits can receive a share of the money that the government recovers.
- The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires publicly traded companies to have internal controls to prevent fraud. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act protects whistleblowers who report fraud from retaliation.
- The Act to Reform Wall Street and Protect Consumers (Dodd-Frank) created several new whistleblower protections, including a reward program for reporting securities fraud.
Rewards and Protections
- Whistleblowers who are successful in their lawsuits under the False Claims Act can receive a share of the money that the government recovers. The claim can be as much as 30% of the recovery.
- Whistleblowers who report fraud under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are not eligible for financial rewards. However, they are protected from retaliation.
- Whistleblowers who report securities fraud under the Dodd-Frank Act qualify for a reward of up to 30% of the money that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recovers.
- Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation for reporting wrongdoing. Retaliation can take many forms, including firing, demotion, harassment, or discrimination.
Conclusion
Whistleblowing can be risky but rewarding. A whistleblower lawyer protects the public interest by exposing fraud and other illegal activities. Suppose a person witnesses wrongdoing or needs help reporting illegal activity; in that case, it is crucial to get the advice of a competent professional who can explain their legal rights and options to them.