When someone in a position of power did something wrong, you stepped up to the plate and exposed them. Now, however, you’ve been punished for your good deed. Even though it might seem like you have nowhere to turn, such retaliation is illegal, and talking to a lawyer might help.
Being a whistleblower is hard enough without facing fallout for your bravery. At Leeds Brown Law P.C., we’re continually working to protect those who venture out on a limb for the greater good. Whether you already blew the whistle or plan on doing so, we’re here to provide you with the legal knowledge and representation you need to keep your livelihood safe.
What Is Whistleblower Retaliation?
Whistleblowers are employees who speak out when they see wrongdoing. For instance, you might have taken part in a criminal investigation against your company by providing information about illegal acts. Alternatively, you might have jumped the chain of command by reporting your immediate superiors’ harassment or other adverse activities to the higher-ups.
Retaliation is any form of negative action that an employer takes against an employee who engages in a legally protected behavior. Whistleblowers are protected under several laws that forbid such reprisals, including
- The federal Dodd-Frank Act, which prohibits employers from taking a number of retaliatory actions against workers who report violations of economic rules to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC,
- The federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which prohibits adverse reactions against employees who join SEC probes, and
- Section §740 of the New York State Labor Law, which makes it illegal for companies to retaliate against workers who participate in investigations, testify, or refuse to join activities that they believe to be illegal or harmful.
Tackling the Uncertainties of Life After Retaliation
If you’re unsure whether these laws apply to your situation, remember that they specifically mention a range of protected activities and illegal varieties of retaliation. For instance, if you were fired, demoted, suspended, harassed or otherwise treated differently than your non-whistleblowing coworkers, then your employer may have violated the law. To secure justice, however, you’ll have to prove that your rights were infringed.
How Might Discussing Your Situation With an Attorney Help?
Proving that whistleblower retaliation occurred is about more than just telling the court what happened to you. Even if it seems evident that you were mistreated, you still need to present a strong case that establishes certain crucial facts. You’ll have to show beyond a reasonable doubt that
- You took part in an activity that was protected by the rules,
- Your employer was aware of your engagement in a protected activity yet subjected you to an adverse action, such as termination, and
- Your participation in the protected activity was a motivating factor for what your employer did to you.
Building a strong case that satisfies these standards takes time, and it can be hard to manage it on your own. Another big problem with whistleblower retaliation is that it negatively impacts so many aspects of your life. From reduced earnings to ongoing harassment and ostracism, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate.
Talk to a Reputable New York City Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyer
Our team strives to make things simpler so that you can put your incident behind you. We’ll lead you onward as you try to figure out how to file a claim and decide what actions to take to protect yourself going forward. Our staff has spent years advocating for those who try to make NYC a better place to work, and we’re proud to be a part of your case. Learn what lies in your future and how to get the ball rolling. Contact a Leeds Brown Law whistleblower retaliation attorney now.
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