What Is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who exposes illegal, fraudulent, or unsafe conduct by their employer, which is protected by state and federal laws.
Types of Whistleblower Claims
There are different types of whistleblower cases. Some examples include the following:
Reporting Illegal Activity
Employees are protected when they report violations such as fraud, wage theft, discrimination, harassment, or safety violations. Reports may be made internally to management or externally to government agencies. Retaliation for making these reports may give rise to a whistleblower claim.
Refusing to Participate in Illegal Activity
California law also protects employees who refuse to engage in conduct they reasonably believe to be illegal. An employer may not lawfully punish an employee for declining to falsify records, ignore safety rules, or otherwise break the law.
Health and Safety Violations
Employees who report unsafe working conditions or practices that endanger workers, consumers, or the public are also protected. This includes reporting violations of workplace safety standards or environmental regulations.
Protection for Whistleblowers
California whistleblower laws prohibit retaliation against employees who engage in protected reporting. These protections apply to individuals cooperating with the government as a whistleblower.
If you believe your rights have been violated due to whistleblowing, it is important to consult with an attorney. Call KV LAW, P.C. to explore your rights.