For those who have exposed an organization of wrongdoing or corruption, having a whistleblower lawyer Washington is a way of ensuring whistleblowers receive the protections they deserve. Whistleblower protections are fundamental to anti-corruption in the workplace but coming forward is challenging for those who are involved, especially because by exposing corruption, whistleblowers are at risk of experiencing significant blowback. While whistleblowing is considered a protected activity, it’s essential to have our team from Eric Siegel Law manage the legal complexities and ensure that the whistleblower’s rights are intact and at the forefront.
Blowing the Whistle
Corruption within organizations can be hugely problematic because their misuse and abuse of power can have a significant impact on a large number of people. Not only may employees be impacted, but consumers and the population could also be. While there are laws and regulations in place that a company must adhere to, the controls in place may not be enough to identify corruption. Because of this, whistleblowing can be an effective way to expose wrongdoing so that corrective action can be taken. Some of the most high-profile whistleblowers include:
- Mark Felt (Nixon Watergate Scandal)
- Jeffrey Wigand (Big Tobacco)
- John Kopchinski (Big Pharma)
- Erika Cheung (Theranos)
- Frances Haugen (Facebook)
Whistleblowers play a significant role in history because they can be responsible for instilling positive change in companies worldwide. When whistleblowers come forward, making disclosures, effective action can be taken. A whistleblower lawyer in Washington, DC can help protect whistleblowers who have reported a myriad of issues that can include:
- Fraud
- Abuse of Power
- Corruption
- Danger to the Health and Safety of the Public
- Violations of Laws and Regulations
Whistleblowers carry a heavy load because they stand against organizations, exposing the truth. These organizations often have a lot of power, and it can be difficult for a whistleblower to move forward in the aftermath.
The Danger of Retaliation
Retaliation is when a person receives adverse treatment for engaging in a protected act. Sometimes employers may take action against the employer or whistleblower for exercising their rights. Types of retaliation can include:
- Mistreatment
- Receiving Threats
- Demotion
- Pay Cuts
- Passed over for Promotions
- Poor Performance Reviews
- Loss of Hours
- Being Fired
- Being Blacklisted from the industry
There are several agencies in place that protect whistleblowers, and knowing where to turn can be challenging. Five agencies are designed to protect whistleblowers from anti-retaliation laws:
- Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
- Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Each of these agencies is involved in different aspects of the process, and contacting the right person will depend upon the concern and type of industry. A lawyer can assist whistleblowers in identifying the right agency to contact but can help carry out the proper steps for moving forward and ensuring protection.
Take Immediate Action
Time is of the essence, and it’s vital to take action quickly by contacting a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you in moving forward with the whistleblower’s information. The path forward can be unclear, especially for a person without knowledge of legal proceedings. Whistleblowing can instill fundamental change within organizations and put a stop to corruption, and with help from our team, clients can expect essential representation and commitment to the case. Learn more about our firm and the support we offer by scheduling a consultation with Eric Siegel Law before it’s too late.