Whistleblower Protection Attorneys Serving Employees in the San Francisco Bay Area and Throughout California
Blowing the whistle on unlawful activity in the workplace is a courageous act that helps ensure compliance with the law, protects public safety, and upholds ethical standards. Unfortunately, employees who report misconduct often face illegal retaliation, such as harassment, demotion, or wrongful termination. At Bay Area Employment Law LLP, we are committed to standing with whistleblowers and protecting their rights under California and federal law. Contact us today to protect your job and vindicate your rights with the help of our experienced and dedicated whistleblower protection lawyers.
What Is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing occurs when an employee reports illegal or unethical activity within their workplace. These activities can include, for example:
- Fraud or embezzlement.
- Workplace safety violations.
- Wage theft or labor law violations.
- Environmental hazards.
- Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against other employees.
Whether reports are made internally (to a supervisor or compliance department) or externally (to a government agency, such as OSHA or the California Labor Commissioner), employees who report these violations are protected by whistleblower laws.
Whistleblower Protections Under California and Federal Law
California has some of the most robust whistleblower protection laws in the country. These laws, combined with federal protections, ensure that employees can come forward without fear of retaliation. Although whistleblower protections are numerous across the landscape of employment, some of the most important protections include:
- California Labor Code Sections 98.6 and 1102.5
This law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal activity to a government or law enforcement agency. It also protects employees who refuse to engage in activities that would violate the law. - Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
Whistleblowers in publicly traded companies are protected from retaliation under SOX when reporting securities fraud, shareholder fraud, or other financial misconduct. - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Dodd-Frank extends protections to employees who report securities law violations to the SEC and provides financial incentives for reporting. - California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA)
Employees who report workplace safety violations are protected from retaliation under Cal/OSHA regulations. - Federal and State Anti-Retaliation Laws
Employees who assert legal claims, such as filing for workers’ compensation, reporting wage and hour violations, or exposing discrimination or harassment, are also shielded from retaliation under anti-retaliation provisions in California and federal law.
Types of Retaliation Whistleblowers May Face
Despite legal protections, whistleblowers often experience adverse treatment for coming forward. Retaliation can include, for example:
- Termination or demotion.
- Harassment or hostile work environment.
- Reduced pay or benefits.
- Unjustified negative performance reviews.
- Reassignment to less favorable roles or locations.
At Bay Area Employment Law LLP, we provide comprehensive legal support for whistleblowers. Our services include investigating claims to determine whether your rights were violated, filing complaints with state or federal agencies on your behalf, negotiating with employers to seek fair compensation and reinstatement if applicable, and litigating your case in court if necessary to achieve justice.
If you’ve been retaliated against, you may be entitled to compensation for the many ways the employer’s actions have harmed you, including, back pay and lost benefits, emotional distress damages, reinstatement to your prior position, and more. Importantly, in a successful lawsuit, your attorneys’ fees and legal costs can be paid by the other party, enabling you to keep the full amount of your monetary award.
Why Choose Bay Area Employment Law LLP?
Our firm understands the unique challenges whistleblowers face. We are passionate about advocating for employees who take a stand against illegal activities in their workplace. Our attorneys combine in-depth knowledge of California and federal employment laws with a client-focused approach to provide the support you need during this difficult time.
Contact Our San Francisco Bay Area Whistleblower Attorneys Today
If you’ve reported workplace misconduct and are now facing retaliation, Bay Area Employment Law LLP is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you are treated fairly under the law. Call us at 510-295-0090 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.
Bay Area Employment Law LLP—Defending the Rights of Whistleblowers Throughout the Bay Area and California.
