Whistleblower Retaliation: 6 Frequently Asked Questions

introduction to whistleblowing

Give Nashville Whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles at call if you are considering blowing the whistle

​A whistleblower is anyone who has and reports insider knowledge of illegal activities occurring in an organization. A whistleblower can be an employee, supplier, contractor, client, or any individual who becomes aware of illegal business activities.​ ​If you have knowledge of a person or company attempting to defraud the federal government, and you come forward with this information, you could be receive a whistleblower award for your courage and blowing the whistle by filing a whistleblower lawsuit and do so with the knowledge you have strong whistleblower protections against whistleblower retaliation.

​If you are thinking of blowing the whistle, contact Nashville whistleblower attorney and litigation attorney Timothy L. Miles, who has valuable experience and has received numerous awards, mostly due to his high ethical standards, and hard work ethic, including most recently being named an Avvo Rated Top Lawyer 2024 by AVVO, Top 25 Class action lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association (2023-present), a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association (2017-present) and has maintained an AV rating from Martindale-Hubble since 2014 (2014-present), was named a 2023 Top Rated Litigator (2019-present) and 2023 Top Rated Lawyer (2019-present) and 2023 Elite Lawyer of the South by Martindale-Hubble (2019-present), and was a recipient of the Avvo Client’s Choice Award in 2021, in 2022 was featured in the Top 100 Lawyers Magazine (2022) and received the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019–2021). 

Contact a Nashville whistleblower attorney today, located conveniently in Brentwood, TN a suburb of Nashville. (855) 846–6529 or [email protected].

Read on to learn the answers to six frequently asked questions from consumers about whistleblower retaliation.

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What is whistleblower retaliation?

​Whistleblower retaliation​ occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for reporting violations of law, gross mismanagement, or abuse of authority. Common forms of retaliation include:

• Termination or layoff
• Demotion or pay reduction
• Workplace harassment or hostility
• Reassignment to less desirable duties
• Negative performance reviews

It's important to note that retaliation can be subtle and may not always involve overt actions like termination.

What legal protections exist for whistleblowers?

Several federal laws provide protection for whistleblowers:

• The Whistleblower Protection Act: Protects federal employees who disclose government wrongdoing
• The Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Offers protection for employees of publicly traded companies who report securities fraud and other violations
• The Dodd-Frank Act: Provides incentives and protections for individuals who report violations of securities laws to the SEC

Additionally, many states have their own whistleblower protection laws that may offer additional safeguards.

What should I do if I experience retaliation?

​If you believe you're facing retaliation for whistleblowing:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of the retaliatory actions, including dates, times, and witnesses.

1. Report internally: Follow your company's procedures for reporting retaliation, if they exist.
2. Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney specializing in employment law or whistleblower cases.
3. File a complaint: Depending on your situation, you may need to file a complaint with the appropriate government agency (e.g., OSHA, SEC, or EEOC).

Remember, time is of the essence​. Many whistleblower protection laws have strict deadlines for filing complaints.

Can I be fired for being a whistleblower?

Call Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles today if you are thinking about blowing the whistle

​While it's illegal to fire an employee solely for whistleblowing, it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Employers may attempt to disguise retaliatory termination as performance-related or due to company restructuring. If you believe you've been wrongfully terminated for whistleblowing, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

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What are the potential financial impacts of whistleblowing?

​Whistleblowing can have significant financial implications:

• Job loss or reduced income: If you face retaliation, you may lose your job or experience a pay cut.
• Legal fees: Pursuing a whistleblower case may involve substantial legal costs.
• Potential rewards: Some laws, like the Dodd-Frank Act, provide financial incentives for whistleblowers whose information leads to successful enforcement actions.

It is crucial to weigh these potential impacts carefully before deciding to blow the whistle.

How can I protect myself before blowing the whistle?

​To protect yourself before reporting wrongdoing:

1. Understand your rights: Familiarize yourself with relevant whistleblower protection laws.
2. Gather evidence: Collect documentation of the wrongdoing, but be careful not to violate any laws or company policies in doing so.
3. Consider anonymity: Some reporting mechanisms allow for anonymous whistleblowing, which may offer additional protection.
4. Consult an attorney: Seek legal advice to understand your options and potential risks.

Remember, while these steps can help, they don't guarantee protection from all forms of retaliation.

If You Are Thinking of Blowing the Whistle, Contact Nashville Whistleblower Attorney Timothy L. Miles Today

​If you have knowledge of fraud against or by the federal government, contact Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles who can guide you through the whistleblower process and explain your whistleblower protections.  The consultation is free and confidential. Just complete the form below to get started or call (855) Tim-M-Law.  Ask a Nashville Whistleblower attorney, you could be entitled to a significant whistleblower award. 

​Please also visit our Resources center which provides a wealth of information on whistleblower lawsuits, among others.

​Call today and see what a Nashville Whistleblower attorney can do for you.

The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) 846–6529
​​Email: [email protected]