Being a whistleblower requires courage. At Underdog Law Office, we understand the sacrifice you’re making, and our whistleblower attorneys are here to protect you against retaliation, wrongful termination, and unfair treatment.
We provide legal services for whistleblowers in Portland, from risk assessment to lawsuits and litigation. If you have questions about how becoming a whistleblower could impact your life, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We offer free whistleblower consultations to help you navigate the road ahead.
What Is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when an individual, often an employee or member of an organization, exposes information or allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing about that organization.
The whistleblower report is usually made to an authority that has the power to investigate and rectify the wrongdoing. Typically, this means law enforcement or a government agency. You can “blow the whistle” on a wide range of activities, including:
- Violations of laws or health and safety regulations
- Fraud
- Gross mismanagement
- Abuse of authority
- A specific danger to the public
How Are Whistleblowers Protected?
Whistleblowers are protected by laws that are designed to encourage individuals to come forward and report information that’s beneficial to the public. If you’ve been intimidated out of reporting, that’s against the law. If you came forward and were then retaliated against or terminated from your job, that’s also against the law. But to achieve justice, you need to work with an attorney who understands the intricacies of these types of cases.
If you are fired, demoted, or harassed for reporting misconduct, you can sue for remedies like reinstatement, back pay, and other damages. Several key federal laws establish these protections and, in some cases, provide for financial compensation.
- The False Claims Act (FCA)
- The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- The Dodd-Frank Act
What Are the Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace?
Workplace discrimination occurs when you’re treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic like your race, gender, age, or religion. Some of the most common forms of discrimination include:
- Hiring discrimination: Being denied a job you’re qualified for because of certain characteristics, such as, for example, an older applicant being rejected based on an assumption they’re not tech-savvy.
- Withheld promotions: Being passed over for a promotion that’s given to a less qualified colleague of a different background.
- Wrongful termination: Being fired for a minor mistake, whereas others of different backgrounds are allowed to make the same mistake without consequences.
- Harassment: Facing a hostile work environment due to offensive jokes or insults about your background.
- Unequal pay: Being paid less than a coworker with the exact same job and performance record because of who you are.
- Retaliation: Being punished, such as a demotion or termination, for exercising your legal rights.
- Denial of reasonable accommodations: When your employer refuses to make simple adjustments for you due to, for example, a disability. Another example might be denying a schedule change that doesn’t disrupt business so you can observe your religious beliefs.
Consult with a Whistleblowing Lawyer Today
Choosing between your career and doing the right thing is a significant burden. At Underdog Law Office, we can help you navigate this complex situation from the beginning, so you know exactly what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
Our employment law attorneys will work with you to ensure your rights are upheld and those who committed wrongdoing are held accountable. We’re fully committed to securing justice and any financial compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Is it time to discuss your case with an expert who has extensive experience working with people in similar circumstances to yours? Call us today for a free, confidential whistleblower consultation in Portland.
