San Bernardino Whistleblower Lawyer

Every employed resident of California is given a myriad of protections through both state and federal statutes. Unfortunately, even with these protections in place, many employees still face unethical, unfair, or illegal treatment at work. While you may be hesitant to come forward about the harmful practices in your workplace, working with a skilled San Bernardino whistleblower lawyer can give you the guidance and support you need to hold your employer accountable.

The Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP: Your San Bernardino Whistleblower Lawyers

At the Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP, we are dedicated to representing and protecting California workers who have experienced unethical treatment at work. Our skilled team is committed to helping clients recover their dignity and obtain fair compensation, with a focus on holding harmful employers accountable for their behavior. If you or your coworkers are facing unfair or illegal treatment in your San Bernardino workplace, do not wait to take legal action.

What Is a Whistleblower in California?

A whistleblower is an employee who reports unethical practices in their workplace, such as misconduct or illegal activities. Examples of these activities include fraud, safety violations, corruption (such as bribery), discrimination, wage theft, false advertising, data breaches, and retaliation.

Whistleblowing should not be confused with complaining. Complaints include grievances and behavior that affect an individual on a personal level. Complaints can include conflicts with coworkers or issues with management. Whistleblowing addresses employment issues on a much broader scale and involves harmful behavior that affects an entire organization as a whole.

Whistleblower Protections in California

There are protections in place in California that guard whistleblowers from retaliation, such as demotion, harassment, and termination. These protections are meant to encourage individuals to speak up about unethical and/or illegal behavior they witness in their workplace. If your employer retaliates against you for whistleblowing, you may be entitled to the following:

• Job Reinstatement. If the whistleblower was fired for whistleblowing, California protections allow them to get their job back. If they were demoted, they are entitled to have their original position reinstated.
• Lost Wages. If the employee was out of work for a certain amount of time, especially due to being terminated, the employer would be required to pay them for the pay they lost. They may also have to reimburse them for the difference in wages if they decreased their pay for an extended period of time.
• Emotional Damage. In serious cases, the employee may be entitled to compensation for any emotional distress they encountered as a result of retaliation.
• Legal Fees. If the employee had to hire a San Bernardino employment attorney and pay other legal fees, the employer may be required to reimburse the employee for that financial burden.

How Do You Know If You Have a Whistleblower Case in California?

To determine if you have a whistleblower case, you will need to look at the specifics of the situation. First, you have to examine the nature of the behavior that took place. For example, you’ll need to assess if the action committed by your employer is illegal, in violation of public policy, or just simply rude. You will only have a whistleblowing case if your coworkers’ or employers’ behavior violates certain laws.

If your employer is behaving in a harmful or illegal manner, you should report the issue to a supervisor. You can also report to law enforcement, especially if the actions are against the law. If you experience retaliation (such as unfair treatment, harassment, demotion, or termination) as a direct result of reporting the incident, you may have grounds for a whistleblower claim. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid claim and what to do moving forward.

How Can a Lawyer Help You in a California Whistleblowing Case?

When taking a whistleblower case in court, it is vital that you have a skilled attorney on your side who can be a steadfast advocate for your rights throughout your proceedings. Working with an attorney gives you the strongest chance of holding your employer accountable and securing a favorable outcome for your case.

An attorney can first analyze the facts of your case to assess your claim’s validity and ensure it qualifies as whistleblowing. Next, they can help you gather all the evidence you need, file any appropriate complaints with the proper agencies, and help you in the legal process. An attorney can fight for your protection against retaliation and take the appropriate legal actions if your employer tries to retaliate. In addition, an attorney can help you maintain your confidentiality.

FAQs

Q: Should a Whistleblower Hire a Lawyer in California?

A: Yes, it is crucial that a whistleblower secures legal representation before filing a claim. Because whistleblowers often face adverse consequences from their employers, having an attorney who can defend your rights and protect you against large employers is crucial. Additionally, a lawyer can help maximize potential compensation in cases involving financial wrongdoing.

Q: What Is a Successful Whistleblower Claim Worth in California?

A: The value of a whistleblower claim depends on the specifics of the case. First, it depends on the type of unethical or unlawful act at play. The amount of damages the employee endured will also heavily impact the amount of compensation awarded. For instance, if the employee was demoted or terminated as a result of the whistleblowing, their lost pay will factor into the total worth of the claim.

Q: What Qualifies as a Whistleblower Claim in California?

A: Reporting unlawful or unethical behaviors, including fraud, workplace safety violations, or environmental risks, is usually the focus of a whistleblower case. The misbehavior must be against the law or regulations, and the whistleblower must notify the proper authorities about it in order to be eligible. Retaliation claims, in which an employee is subjected to negative consequences for reporting misconduct, are also eligible.

Q: Are Whistleblowers Protected in California?

A: Yes, whistleblowers are protected in California. There are state statutes in place to protect California employees from retaliation after reporting illegal, fraudulent, and unlawful practices in the workplace. If retaliation does occur, the employee can report it and file a claim to recover damages, such as lost wages, job reinstatement, and compensation for any emotional damage and pain and suffering.

The Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP: Your San Bernardino Whistleblower Lawyers

If you have witnessed illegal or unethical activity in your San Bernardino workplace, you don’t have to remain silent. The team at the Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP can help you navigate your whistleblower claim and ensure your rights and career are protected. Contact us today to learn more about taking legal action in a whistleblower case.