Federal and state laws protect whistleblowers when they come forward to report wrongdoing in their workplace. These laws encourage citizens to report illegal activity by offering protection from retaliation. It can be frightening to come forward to report unlawful conduct. Working with an experienced whistleblower attorney can help protect your rights and give you more confidence in coming forward.
Our award-winning employer lawyers at Houk Employment Attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience. We have secured millions of dollars in damages and compensation for our clients in Phoenix, Arizona.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation at (480) 569-2377. with our Phoenix whistleblower protection lawyers. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
How Houk Employment Attorneys Can Help With a Whistleblower Case in Phoenix, AZ
As a whistleblower, you provide a vital service to the public in coming forward. However, you need to protect your best interests when coming forward. An employment rights lawyer can help you. At Houk Employment Attorneys, our legal team fights for our clients’ rights as they stand up to their employers and others to do what is right.
When you hire our top-rated Phoenix employment lawyers for a whistleblower case, you can trust that we will:
- Explain how whistleblower laws protect you when you come forward with a claim
- Investigate the circumstances of your whistleblower claim
- Determine the best strategy to protect your interests
- Handle all paperwork and documents related to a whistleblower claim
- Represent you during every phase of the case, including in hearings and court appearances
Numerous organizations, including Super Lawyers, have recognized our attorneys for their legal services. Our attorneys are members of the Arizona Employment Lawyers Association, the National Employment Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Section.
Call Houk Employment Attorneys to request a confidential consultation with a Phoenix whistleblower protection lawyer. We provide sound legal advice and support to help you navigate the whistleblower process.
What Does It Mean to Be a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who comes forward to report wrongdoing in the workplace that harms the public or violates the law.
Reasons to come forward as a whistleblower include, but are not limited to, reporting:
- Unsafe work environments
- Violations of Arizona state law or federal law
- The misuse of federal and state tax dollars
- Sexual harassment or workplace harassment
- Violations that result in pollution or illegal dumping
- Healthcare fraud, including Arizona Medicaid and Medicare fraud
- Wasteful activities by public agencies
If you are concerned about employer retaliation or other threats if you come forward as a whistleblower, contact our law firm before coming forward. We can develop a strategy to determine the best way for you to come forward to report wrongdoing in the workplace.
What Is Employer Retaliation for Whistleblowing in Phoenix, AZ?
The primary function of federal and state whistleblower lawyers is to protect whistleblowers from employer retaliation. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee to punish them for exercising their civil rights.
Examples of employer retaliation for whistleblowing include:
- Harassment
- Denying overtime, bonuses, or commissions
- Withholding benefits
- Reducing hours and/or pay
- Demotions and/or denied promotions
- Making threats against employees
- Reassigning an employee to a less desirable location or position
- Blacklisting the employee
- Wrongful termination
- Reporting the employee to immigration authorities or the police
Suppose you decide to come forward as a whistleblower. In that case, our attorneys can help you prepare to come forward, including planning what to do if your employer fires you or takes other retaliatory actions.
What Are My Rights Under Whistleblower Protection Laws?
Coming forward to report illegal activity in your workplace may benefit the public, but it could result in negative consequences for you. You could be mistreated at work by reporting your employer and other parties responsible for the unlawful acts. The federal government and the State of Arizona have passed laws that protect you from adverse treatment.
Arizona Revised Statute §38-532 protects a public employee who reports mismanagement, abuse of authority, gross waste of money, or violation of the law. You must reasonably believe there was a violation and make your disclosure to a public body. Your disclosure must be in writing and meet the requirements of the statute. Arizona Revised Statute §23-425 prohibits employers in the private sector from taking retaliatory actions against an employee who reports or helps with an investigation of workplace safety violations.
The Federal Whistleblower Protection Act protects federal employees from exposing specific activity, including violating regulations, gross mismanagement, abusing authority, gross waste of funds, etc. Private sector employees also have federal whistleblower rights for exposing a long list of unlawful conduct in the workplace.
What Should I Do if I Want to Report Illegal Activity at My Workplace?
There are several considerations that you should keep in mind when coming forward as a whistleblower. In some cases, you could be entitled to a reward for reporting unlawful conduct by your employer. How you report the conduct depends on the type of illegal activity and where you work.
An experienced whistleblower protection attorney advises you of your rights and the legal process for coming forward. If you are considering exposing a company’s unethical practices or illegal activity, learn about your rights, the potential rewards, and the consequences of becoming a whistleblower.
Contact Our Phoenix Whistleblower Protection Lawyers for a Case Evaluation
Our lawyers at Houk Employment Attorneys protect whistleblowers. Call our office if you need help with a whistleblower claim or have questions about coming forward. Our Phoenix whistleblower attorneys can address your concerns and answer your questions.
