There are many good reasons to come forward with a whistleblower claim when you come across evidence of illegal behavior on the job. There are always victims to illegal corporate behavior – often unseen or at least distant from the company, but victims nonetheless – whether they come in the form of investors or the government and the taxpayers who fund our government. Honest competitors and business owners are also hurt, and letting illegal behavior flourish means the good guys finish last and our broader society and economy deteriorates.
And, of course, there are large financial rewards (sometimes in the millions of dollars) to be claimed by the honest employees and executives who come forward to tell the truth.
But, as is the case with any heroic act, there are risks to coming forward as a whistleblower. A primary risk is that you can face retaliation from your employer in the form of termination, suspension, demotion, transfer, blacklisting, or some other adverse employment decision.
While retaliation is illegal, and you may be able to further recover in a legal action for retaliation beyond your whistleblower recovery, it is still ideal to prevent it from occurring whenever possible as your whistleblower claim proceeds.
The most important step you can to protect yourself from retaliation is to speak with a whistleblower attorney as early as possible in the process.
An Attorney Can Help Evaluate Your Claims Before Taking Unnecessary Risk
Of course, the reason that we take risk is to get reward, here the reward being justice and financial recovery. Before exposing yourself to the risk of retaliation, it is important to understand whether you have a viable whistleblower claim, whether that be an SEC, IRS, CFTC, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud, or other FCA or whistleblower claim.
Simply spotting illegal behavior may not be enough. Speaking with an attorney before you take action can help you understand, among other things:
- Whether illegal action is indeed occurring
- Whether there is a viable whistleblower claim that corresponds to the illegal action
- Whether you are an eligible whistleblower
- Whether you have enough evidence to proceed
Your Attorney Will Keep Your Communications Confidential
As with any attorney who consults with you on your behalf, a whistleblower attorney will be required by law to keep your communications with him or her 100% confidential. This means that, even if questioned in litigation, your attorney will not, and indeed cannot, divulge any information you shared with him or her for purposes of attempting to bring a whistleblower claim.
Equally important to note is that this confidentiality will not apply to other people with whom you speak about the illegal behavior. If you speak to a co-worker, a manager, or even a friend about actions in the workplace, this will in most all cases not be confidential.
Your Attorney Can Proceed With Your Claim While You Continue Working
In addition, your attorney can begin the process of bringing your whistleblower claim while you continue to work. This can include investigating your issues, contacting government officials on your behalf, and working towards your recovery. In some cases, such as SEC whistleblower claims, your identity may be kept confidential through the whole process as your attorney works on your behalf to bring your claim.
Your Attorney Can Provide Ongoing Advice to Prevent and Respond to Retaliation
Every working situation is different, and your attorney can provide detailed and customized guidance and counsel on how to proceed while continuing to work. This counsel can include helping you to take actions – and avoid taking other actions – all in the pursuit of maintaining your confidentiality and your rights at work.
In addition, should the potential for retaliation or actual retaliation occur, your attorney will provide guidance and even take direction action in response to protect you.
Reach Out to an Experienced Whistleblower Attorney Today
At Kreindler & Associates, our experienced whistleblower attorneys will work with you every step of the way to determine your appropriate course of action, protect you from retaliation, and collect your much-deserved reward. All of our consultations are 100% confidential. Contact us today for an evaluation of your allegations and potential outcomes.
