Corporate Whistleblower Lawyer Pittsburgh, PA Holding Businesses Accountable
“Whistleblowing” refers to informing law enforcement, regulatory bodies, a company, or even a person about specific acts of wrongdoing. In a corporate context, it usually refers to an employee or group of employees reporting employer fraud or waste, dangerous patient care, violations of regulations, or other illegal business activities. Protecting whistleblowers is an integral part of corporate checks and balances, which is why there are so many state and federal laws in place to do so. However, asserting your whistleblower rights can be hard when you’re unsure what they are. Our Pittsburgh, PA corporate whistleblower lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight back against employer retaliation.
The Law Offices of Darth M. Newman supports whistleblowers. We know that doing the right thing can come at a considerable price, and we respect the courage it takes to speak up. Our attorneys can help you enforce relevant whistleblower protection laws and will work with the government to redress fraud against the government. Federal law and some state laws provide for sharing the proceeds of any successful enforcement action with whistleblowers. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Legal Protections For Pittsburgh Whistleblowers
Local, state, and federal laws protect Pittsburgh whistleblowers. Depending on the facts, these laws may entitle you to reinstatement at your job, a share of monies recovered in a qui tam action, or payment for lost wages and emotional harm.
The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law applies to employees who perform services for a public body, including state and local government offices and governing agencies, and any employer that receives government funding (such as Medicare reimbursement or any other type of state or federal government money).
The law defines a whistleblower as any person who makes a good-faith report of waste or wrongdoing to an appropriate authority. Not all whistleblowers are employees. Some successful whistleblowers have been clients, customers, patients, and even competitors. Anyone with first-hand knowledge of the fraud is encouraged to come forward to stop it.
The Federal False Claims Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation and also awards successful whistleblowers with a percentage of the proceeds the government collects as a result of their information. The Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) and Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform both protect corporate whistleblowers especially those that report wrongdoing to the SEC but have different technical requirements.
How Our Whistleblower Lawyers Help You
Our attorneys evaluate the nature of your whistleblower complaint to determine which local, state, and/or federal laws apply. We will discuss with you all of the options you have for recovering your personal damages which could mean negotiating a resolution with your employer or former employer or filing a lawsuit.
If you are aware of fraud against the government or the market (think SEC enforcement) you may be eligible for a percentage of whatever the government recovers. We stand ready to ensure you get what the law provides. As an experienced Pittsburgh corporate whistleblower lawyer, we protect your rights and advise you of your legal options for compensation. Call the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman today for a free case review.
Retaliation Protection For Whistleblowers
At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, we represent individuals who have blown the whistle on fraud against the government under the False Claims Act (FCA) and related state and federal laws and suffered retaliation as a result. If you reported misconduct involving government funds, such as Medicare fraud, defense contract fraud, or other types of federal program abuse, and faced adverse action at work, we are here to protect your rights.
Our firm is committed to helping whistleblowers not only report fraud but also pursue claims when employers retaliate for their efforts to stop government fraud.
Retaliation Under The False Claims Act
To prove a False Claims Act retaliation claim, you must be able to show:
- You engaged in protected activity aimed at stopping or reporting fraud against the government;
- Your employer knew about your protected activity; and
- You suffered an adverse employment action because of that activity.
Common examples of retaliation include termination, demotion, reduced pay, or workplace harassment. In some cases, being denied a promotion may also be considered retaliation, though these cases require particularly strong supporting evidence.
We work with you to build the strongest case possible by gathering clear documentation, establishing timelines, and identifying evidence that directly connects your protected activity to your employer’s actions against you.
Timing Matters When Filing A Claim
Strict deadlines apply to False Claims Act retaliation claims, generally requiring action within three years of the retaliatory act. Moving quickly not only protects your legal rights but also helps preserve critical evidence. Early consultation is essential to maximizing your options.
We Prioritize The Full False Claims Act Case
While we are experienced in handling retaliation claims, our primary focus is on pursuing the underlying False Claims Act case and holding wrongdoers accountable for defrauding the government. If you have evidence of fraud, we can guide you through both protecting yourself and bringing the government fraud case forward, including seeking whistleblower rewards where appropriate.
Contact The Law Offices Of Darth M. Newman Today!
If you reported fraud against the government and believe you were retaliated against, contact the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman today. We proudly represent whistleblowers across Pennsylvania and the United States under the False Claims Act and are dedicated to protecting those who step forward to expose fraud. Call us now to discuss your case.
What To Do Immediately After Corporate Whistleblowing
As our Pittsburgh, PA corporate whistleblower lawyer knows, one of the hardest decisions you may have made was blowing the whistle on misconduct you found inside a company. While it may seem like the hardest part is done once you have reported it, the next steps you take can be as crucial. You want to protect your reputation, your job, and any possible legal claims that may happen as a result, and taking the right steps can help. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, we have walked alongside those who have bravely stepped forward and have helped them make informed decisions regarding what will come next. When you need help, don’t hesitate to give our office a call for a free consultation.
- Document Any Communication You Have And Your Report. You must save your report, whether it was through writing or email. You want to keep information such as the report itself, the person you communicated with, and what you discussed. If the disclosure happened during a meeting, keep notes of what you talked about, as this can help if there are questions later.
- Don’t Discuss Anything With Coworkers. Our Pittsburgh corporate whistleblower lawyer understands that, especially if you are close with some of your colleagues, it may be difficult not to discuss what is going on. Even with the best of intentions, conversations can be misinterpreted, word about the misconduct and your reports can spread, and it can make your work awkward and uncomfortable. In the worst case, you may even experience retaliation as a result.
- Know Your Rights. You should take time to review your contract, look over your employee handbook, and go through any type of non-disclosure agreement you signed. Certain documents might address what to do in situations where you report misconduct and what to do if retaliation occurs. These documents will also be valuable for your lawyer to look at.
- Be Aware Of Retaliation. It is crucial you keep track of how you are treated following your report. Have your responsibilities changed? Are you facing increased disciplinary action? Knowing the possible signs of retaliation is important and is something you should bring up with your lawyer quickly.
- Keep Your Evidence In A Secure Place. It is wise to keep any evidence you may have–documents, emails, or other supporting material in a secure and private location. It is important to remember that you should not steal company property to do this, but keep evidence that will directly support your case.
Taking the right steps following your whistleblowing report is critical when it comes to protecting yourself after you have brought the truth to light. If you have made a report and would like to speak with an attorney, reach out to the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman. We know that you are likely under a significant amount of pressure right now and each next step may feel uncertain. Our firm is here to help you protect your rights, stay informed, and move through this with confidence. In these kinds of cases, we solely represent whistleblowers, so don’t hesitate to see what we can do for you. Give our Pittsburgh corporate whistleblower lawyer a call when you are ready.
