Experienced Whistleblower and Qui Tam Attorneys

Private companies and government organizations sometimes break the law. When that occurs, their employees who are aware of the wrongdoing are entitled to report the unlawful behavior without fear of reprisal. Local, state, and federal laws have been enacted specifically to protect whistleblowers from unwarranted firing, undeserved negative reviews, threats, and other unjustified repercussions directed at them simply because they did the right thing and shed light on improper activity.

Understanding Whistleblower and Qui Tam Cases

A whistleblower is someone who exposes illegal, unethical, or fraudulent activity that would otherwise remain hidden from regulators or the public. These individuals often come forward after witnessing misconduct within their workplace, whether it’s financial fraud, safety violations, or misuse of government funds. Reporting such activity isn’t only an act of integrity; it’s a legally protected right.

Both federal and state laws shield whistleblowers from retaliation and, in certain cases, reward them for helping uncover wrongdoing that harms taxpayers or the public.

In cases involving fraud against the federal government, a whistleblower may file what’s known as a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. This allows private individuals to bring legal action on the government’s behalf, and if the government recovers funds, the whistleblower can receive a percentage of that recovery as a financial reward.

Federal Whistleblower Protections

The U.S. government has numerous laws that protect private sector employees who report procedural violations, attempts to take advantage of the government, interstate financial crimes, and malfeasance happening within the government itself.

The False Claims Act (FCA)

Whistleblowers who report a fraud committed against the federal government are entitled to protections and potentially compensation as well. For example, if an employee of a federal contractor becomes aware that their company is overcharging the government or charging for services not actually rendered, a whistleblower can report the fraud and will be protected by the False Claims Act’s anti-retaliation provisions, which can hold their employer liable for harassment, threats, and any reprisals directed at the whistleblower.

Furthermore, the whistleblower may be entitled to compensation equivalent to a percentage (typically 15 to 30%) of any damages recovered by the government after it investigates the alleged fraud and holds the company responsible.

Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Protections

These two laws protect whistleblowers who report a violation of federal mail fraud, bank or security fraud, or any law connected to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as rules and regulations affecting stock exchanges, bond markets, commodities futures trading, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Whistleblower Protection Act for Federal Employees

When the wrongdoing being reported by a whistleblower is occurring within a federal agency itself, the agents or employees who report it are protected from retaliation. Federal employees are protected when they report fraud, waste, mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a threat to the public that is being improperly concealed.

State and Local Whistleblower Laws

Most states have their own whistleblower protection statutes. The only states that do not are Arizona, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Pennsylvania’s Whistleblower Law applies to any employee who performs services for a “public body,” which refers to state and local government organizations. The law also applies to any Pennsylvania employer performing a state or federal government function. Whistleblowers can make their report verbally or in writing about any evidence they may have of fraud or waste that might impact the Commonwealth.

Additionally, a small number of municipalities, Philadelphia being a notable example, have passed whistleblower protections for city employees. Under the Philadelphia False Claims Act, the City Solicitor of Philadelphia is empowered to collect evidence from whistleblowers who allege the city is being defrauded. The law also protects whistleblowers from retaliation and authorizes awards of up to 30% of any funds recovered as a result of the information received.

A whistleblower case can be complex and intimidating, especially when your livelihood is on the line. An experienced whistleblower attorney can help you understand your next steps, gather evidence, and file a claim under the appropriate federal or state statute.

Your lawyer can also take action on your behalf if your employer retaliates. Perhaps most importantly, your attorney helps you file your claim safely and confidentially, so you can rest assured that you are doing the right thing without sacrificing your career or reputation.

Why Choose Pond Lehocky for Your Whistleblower Case?

At Pond Lehocky, our attorneys have years of experience in standing up for employees who speak out against wrongdoing. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and the pressure that can follow. Our team combines our knowledge of federal and state whistleblower laws with a commitment to protect you and your privacy.

We handle your case with discretion from the moment you call, guiding you through every step of the process, and fighting to secure the justice you and the general public deserve. When you choose our firm, you’re choosing advocates who put integrity first.

Speak with an Experienced Whistleblower Attorney Today

If you believe you are a good-faith whistleblower and need legal guidance, contact Pond Lehocky for a completely free and confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer. For more information, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out the contact form on this page.