A “whistleblower” is an employee who reports an employer’s violation of the law and is retaliated against, or punished, by the employer.  You could have a whistleblower claim if you have experienced any adverse treatment because of the following:

• Reporting racial, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability discrimination against you or a co-worker;
• Reporting unsafe working conditions;
• Testifying against your employer’s unlawful conduct, discrimination or harassment towards you or a co-worker;
• Reporting illegal action such as government contract fraud, tax fraud, or other financial irregularities;
• Informing the government that your company has been falsifying documents; or,
• Filing a lawsuit against your employer.

Many workers see wrongdoing by their employer. Because of a fear of retaliation, though, they often fear bringing the wrongdoing to the attention of an appropriate authority. The fear of retaliation is often well founded.  If you believe your employer has punished you just for doing the right thing, you might have a claim.