Florida Whistleblower Retaliation Protection Attorney

Many employees in Florida who have blown the whistle on unethical or illegal activities within their organization are met with retaliation from those who should be held accountable.

Retaliation can take many forms – from unfair treatment to adverse actions that make the work environment unbearable. The fear, frustration, and anxiety you’re experiencing are valid and real. But remember, whistleblowers are legally protected from retaliation.

Yormak Employment & Disability Law specializes in defending the rights of whistleblowers who face retaliation for standing up against unlawful activities. Led by Benjamin Yormak, a board-certified expert in employment law, we’re dedicated to providing aggressive representation and support to whistleblowers every step of the way. Don’t let fear of retaliation prevent you from seeking justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Whistleblower Retaliation in Florida

Whistleblowers are employees who report misconduct within their organizations, particularly when it poses risks to the public or includes stealing from the government. Consequently, state and federal laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation, which can manifest as unjustified firing, transfers, pay cuts, or other adverse employment actions.  Anyone who believes they’ve been retaliated against for whistleblowing can seek legal remedies, including compensation for damages and reinstatement to their former position.

Federal and State Laws for Whistleblower Protection

Both federal and state laws play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of whistleblowers. At the federal level, laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Act and the False Claims Act protect whistleblowers from various forms of retaliation.

At the state level, the Florida Whistleblower Act provides remedies for whistleblowers in both the private and public sectors. This Act prohibits employers from dismissing employees for disclosing, objecting, or reporting violations of state law.

Common Forms of Retaliation Against Whistleblowers

Retaliation against whistleblowers can be evident or subtle and often discourages employees from disclosing damaging information. Here are some examples:

Demotion

Demotion occurs when an employer reduces an employee’s job title or other benefits. This can have lasting effects on the employee’s career and finances. If you are a victim of demotion as retaliation for whistleblowing, recording the incident and consulting a whistleblower protection attorney is essential for safeguarding your rights.

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination is a form of retaliation where an employee is fired due to their whistleblowing claims. Moreover, whistleblowers might experience professional blacklisting, making securing future employment within their industry challenging.

Negative Reviews

Negative reviews can be used to retaliate against whistleblowers. Employers may provide poor performance reviews or deny promotions to harm employees for whistleblowing.

Payment Reductions

Payment reductions are another form of retaliation against whistleblowers where employers cut an employee’s pay for reporting fraudulent activities in the workplace. These cuts discourage other employees from reporting misconduct for fear of similar repercussions.

Punitive Transfers

Punitive transfers occur when an employer moves an employee to a less desirable location to retaliate against their whistleblowing activities. This form of retaliation can significantly disrupt the employee’s life. For instance, they might have to commute longer distances, work in less favorable conditions, or take roles that do not align with their career goals.

It’s also worth noting that transfers can be challenging to fight against, as employers may disguise them as necessary business decisions. Therefore, it’s crucial for employees facing such retaliation to consult a whistleblower lawyer who can help them understand their rights and the best course of action.

Harassment

Harassment can manifest as persistent negative comments, spreading false rumors, or even bullying. It can also involve making an employee feel isolated or singled out, often under the guise of ‘jokes’ or ‘banter.’ This form of retaliation often goes unreported due to the fear of further retaliation or the belief that it won’t be taken seriously. However, it’s important to remember that such behavior is unlawful, and steps should be taken to report and document these incidents.

The Importance of a Florida Whistleblower Lawyer

Seeking an employment lawyer is crucial to safeguard your rights and prevent retaliation against employees who report misconduct. An employment attorney has extensive knowledge of the legal system surrounding whistleblower protection and can help you gather evidence, submit complaints, and represent your interests.

Steps to Take if You Experience Whistleblower Retaliation

Experiencing retaliation requires immediate action to uphold your rights:

• Document Evidence: Recording any potential evidence for your claim is paramount when facing whistleblower retaliation. This may include emails, memos, or other relevant documents that prove retaliation.
• Report Retaliation: Reporting retaliation is crucial to addressing the issue and pursuing justice. Don’t forget to keep a record of complaints and any responses you receive. The sooner you report the retaliation, the sooner steps can be taken to address it.
• Consult a whistleblower retaliation protection attorney: Seeking advice from a Florida lawyer is critical in defending your rights and pursuing justice for the retaliation you’ve experienced.

Potential Compensation in Whistleblower Retaliation Cases

Whistleblowers who have experienced retaliation may be entitled to compensation in several different forms:

Reinstatement

Reinstatement restores a whistleblower to their original position following an unjust dismissal. This form of compensation allows employees to resume their jobs with the same seniority they had before the retaliation.

Lost Wages and Benefits

These damages represent the compensation owed to a whistleblower for the income they missed out on due to retaliation. This encompasses the lost wages as well as health and retirement benefits they were entitled to before the whistleblower claim.

Compensatory and Punitive Damages

Compensatory and punitive damages are additional forms of restitution that may be awarded in whistleblower retaliation cases. Punitive damages hold employers accountable for their actions and provide further financial compensation to whistleblowers who suffer retaliation in the workplace.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Schedule a free consultation with Yormak Employment & Disability Law. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that no employee suffers retaliation for speaking out. If you’re a whistleblower facing retaliation, don’t face it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.