Our whistleblower trial lawyers have recovered over $5 million in the past decade for employees who faced retaliation after reporting unlawful practices.
Sometimes, we represent whistleblowers who are hourly blue-collar workers who report safety violations. Other times, our whistleblowers are high-profile politicians and business leaders who face unlawful retaliation.
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 Retaliation Against Whistleblowers?
Some of the most common forms of retaliation include:
- Termination of employment: Firing an employee shortly after the report is made.
- Demotion or denial of promotions: Reassigning an employee to a lower-level position, or passing over a deserving employee for a promotion.
- Reduction in pay or hours: Cutting an employee’s wages, salary, or scheduled hours to work.
- Harassment: Facing a hostile work environment through intimidation or constant monitoring.
- Blacklisting: Intentionally providing negative references to prevent a former employee from finding a new job.
- False performance reviews or unwarranted discipline: Unfairly disciplining an employee for fabricated infractions, or suddenly giving a negative performance evaluation to an undeserving employee.
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.
