Whistleblower Lawyers in
Los Angeles
When you witness something wrong at work, you should be able to speak up without fear. Whistleblowers play an essential role in keeping workplaces safe, fair, and lawful. Unfortunately, many employees who report wrongdoing face retaliation from their employers.
At Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights (LFECR), our experienced Los Angeles whistleblower lawyers help protect employees who have been retaliated against for doing the right thing. Workers should never have to choose between their job and their integrity.
I can not speak highly enough. An immense thank you to my attorney and the entire team! Very professional, communicative and highly knowledgeable. Will recommend.
Mel Luna
Local Guide
I got a settlement when I didn't even expect a dime. I wasn't there to hear them or even see them fighting for me, but the fact that they were able to get me compensation was all that made the ultimate difference between me and my ex employer. Thanks.
Steve Uitz
Local Guide
I had a truly remarkable experience with the legal professionals who represented me, they exhibited an impressive level of expertise and insight regarding the specifics of my case. They provided me with thorough guidance and support...
Local Guide
What Is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who reports illegal, unsafe, or unethical activity at work. This could involve wage theft, harassment, discrimination, fraud, or health and safety violations.
You don’t need to work for a government agency or large corporation to be protected. Both public and private employees in California are covered under strong whistleblower protection laws. That means if you report misconduct, your employer cannot legally retaliate against you.
Your Rights Under California Whistleblower Protection Laws
California has some of the most comprehensive whistleblower laws in the country. Under California Labor Code §1102.5, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting what you reasonably believe to be unlawful behavior.
You are protected when you report violations to a supervisor, a manager with authority, or a government agency.
Even if your employer suspects you reported wrongdoing, they cannot fire, demote, or discipline you based on that belief.
These laws ensure that employees who speak out about illegal activity can do so without fear of losing their jobs, income, or professional reputation.
Examples of
Whistleblower Retaliation
Whistleblower retaliation can take many forms. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle. Retaliation may include:
- Termination, demotion, or pay cuts after reporting a violation
- Sudden negative performance reviews or disciplinary write-ups
- Harassment, isolation, or changes in work assignments
If you have experienced any of these after raising concerns, a whistleblower attorney can evaluate whether your rights have been violated.
How a Whistleblower Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help
Speaking up about workplace misconduct takes courage, and it often comes with risk. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process, protect your job, and pursue justice if your employer retaliates.
At LFECR, we guide clients through every step of the legal process. We start by reviewing your situation to determine whether your actions qualify as whistleblowing under California or federal law.
Our attorneys gather evidence, advise you on next steps, and represent you in any claims or lawsuits that may follow.
If you’ve already been punished or terminated, we can help protect your rights and seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Federal Whistleblower Protection
While California law offers strong protection, several federal laws also safeguard whistleblowers. These federal laws include:
- The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA): Protects federal employees who report illegal or improper government actions.
- The False Claims Act: Encourages individuals to report fraud to the federal government and may reward whistleblowers with a portion of recovered funds.
- OSHA Whistleblower Programs: Protect employees who report workplace safety or health violations.
A skilled whistleblower attorney can determine which laws apply to your case and make sure your claim is filed properly with the correct agency or court.
Compensation for Whistleblower Retaliation
If your employer retaliates against you, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, such as:
- Lost wages, bonuses, and benefits
- Payment for emotional distress or reputational damage
- Reinstatement to your position or comparable role
Each case is unique, and the outcome depends on your specific circumstances. Our team will work to recover what you’ve lost and ensure your employer is held accountable.
FAQs
What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
The Whistleblower Protection Act is a federal law that protects government employees from retaliation for reporting illegal or unethical conduct. While it applies to federal workers, California employees are protected by similar state laws, including Labor Code §1102.5.
What qualifies as whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing happens when an employee reports or refuses to take part in illegal, unsafe, or unethical actions. This includes fraud, harassment, wage violations, or workplace safety risks.
How do I know if I’m protected as a whistleblower?
You’re generally protected if you report behavior that you reasonably believe violates a law, rule, or regulation, and you do so in good faith. A Los Angeles whistleblower lawyer can confirm whether your situation qualifies.
What should I do if I’m fired for reporting misconduct?
If you’re fired, demoted, or harassed after reporting wrongdoing, contact a whistleblower attorney immediately. You may be able to file a claim for whistleblower retaliation and recover damages.
How long do I have to file a whistleblower claim?
Filing deadlines vary depending on the agency and type of claim, ranging from six months to three years. Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to prepare and strengthen your case.
Talk to a Los Angeles Whistleblower
Lawyer Today
You have the right to speak out against illegal or unethical behavior without fear of losing your job. If your employer has retaliated against you, the team at Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights is ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for a free, confidential case review with a whistleblower attorney. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps toward justice.