Do Whistleblowers Have Any Protection?

    ORLANDO, FL, August 04, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are several whistleblowers who have come to national attention for their efforts to protect fellow citizens against corruption, fraud, and corporate negligence. Some whistleblowers such as Erin Brockovich, and Jeffrey Wigand have been the subjects of Hollywood movies.

This popularization drew attention to their personal struggles as they came forward with information about corporate wrongdoing, and focused heavily on the consequences of their whistleblowing. While their stories are inspirational, the focus on their personal struggles may cause some people to shy away from exposing negligence and greed. There is no doubt that many whistleblowers are true heroes. They are also guaranteed protection against retaliation under the False Claims Act.

Protecting Whistleblowers

In 1986, provisions were added to the False Claims Act that provided whistleblowers protection against retaliation. Known as the Whistleblowers Protection Act, these provisions prohibit current and future retaliation against employees who provide information about corporate and government corruption. Currently, 19 states provide additional protection for private employees, and 38 states provide additional protection for state and municipal employees.

Despite this protection, many whistleblowers do, indeed, face retaliation from their employers. Many cases have seen whistleblowers fired, harassed, or intimidated in an attempt to gain their silence. Federal and state protection for whistleblowers is guaranteed, but even still many employers believe they are above the law and can do as they please with employees who expose them.

Hiring an Attorney

Many people feel a moral obligation to report illegal or illicit activities but are afraid to do so for fear of retaliation. When you become aware of wrongdoing, contacting an experienced whistleblower attorney is the first step in protecting your rights. You are legally protected, but without representation, there is no way to guarantee you are kept safe from retaliation.

An experienced whistleblower attorney will be able to help protect you against retaliation, and help make sure you are treated with the fairness, dignity, and respect your actions demand.
An employer who is willing to behave in ways that are dangerous or fraudulent has already proven their willingness to break the law.

Trusting the goodwill of such corporations can have a dramatic impact on your ability to provide for yourself and your family. Only a whistleblower attorney can help ensure you are not retaliated against, and are provided with the full protection the law guarantees.

If you are aware of illegal activities at your place of employment in or around Orlando, Florida, please visit the website of the whistleblower attorneys at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter at www.thefloridafirm.com.

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