Facts about being fired from a job and whistleblowing in California

There are strong protections in California for workers who come forward about illegal or suspected illegal behavior about their employer. It is essential that laws protect those who understand something is wrong and are brave enough to come forward. Those people should not have to worry about termination or legal consequences. At the Azadian Law Group, PC, we want to discuss whistleblower protections. If you need to come forward with information about your employer, our Los Angeles whistleblower attorneys are here to help.

What is a whistleblower?

When an employee discovers possible illegal or fraudulent activities being committed by their employer or someone within the organization, they are protected by state and federal law when they report it. They are protected even if the information turns out not to be true or illegal. California Labor Code §1102.5. Subsection (b) says:

“An employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer, shall not retaliate against an employee for disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency, to a person with authority over the employee, or to another employee who has the authority to investigate, discover or correct the violation or noncompliance…”

Whistleblower laws are in place to ensure that a worker making a complaint does not face:

• Termination
• Reassignment
• Demotion
• Harassment from supervisors
• Promotion opportunities

These laws protect employees in a wide range of circumstances. This includes reporting any of the following:

• Patient endangerment
• Workplace safety
• Refuse to violate the law
• Environmental threats
• Violations of worker safety (OSHA etc.)
• Workplace harassment
• Discrimination
• Other violations of law

There is also something called a “qui tam” claim that is similar to the whistleblowing described above but includes allegations that an employer has committed certain types of fraud, including:

• Securities and stock fraud
• Tax fraud (political campaigns, business, etc.)
• Medicare/Medicaid fraud
• Any other fraud involving government funds

In these cases, the person making the report could be entitled to receive up to 30% of the funds recovered as a result of the investigation into the situation.

We are here to protect whistleblowers

Protecting whistleblowers is essential. Some of the biggest coverups and most serious illegal activities have been discovered because an employee was brave enough to come forward. At the Azadian Law Group, PC, we understand that whistleblowers need protection. If you have been fired for coming forward or reporting illegal activity, we are here to help. Let us work to recover the compensation you deserve, including:

• Recovery of lost wages
• Reinstatement to your job (if desired)
• Court costs and legal fees
• Pain and suffering damages
• Possible punitive damages

If you have not yet come forward with your concerns of possible illegal activity, we are ready to assist you through this difficult process. We will protect you and your identity throughout the entirety of your case. When you need a Los Angeles whistleblower attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 213-229-9031.