As an employee, there are rules and procedures the go along with any job. When going through interviews before being hired company rules, guidelines, and procedures are often gone over before employment and paperwork is usually given to the employee upon hiring to make them aware of all set standards and rules of the hiring entity. Along with the employer’s regulations are obviously Federal, State, and local laws that each employer must abide by like work and labor laws, safety laws, and standards of practice. If an employer fails to follow the laws, whether or not they be in violation of employment rights or illegal activities, there are state and federal laws that protect employees from retaliation from their employers for whistleblowing. If you believe your employer is allowing illegal activities or violating safety and/or employment laws, there are legal routes you can take to report these wrongdoings and protect yourself and your livelihood. Contact JML Law in Long Beach at 818-610-8800 for a free consultation. Let our firm guide you in what legal steps to take to protect yourself and take the correct legal steps to report any and all unlawful activities.
What Is Whistleblowing
A whistleblower can be anyone that exposes or reports illegal, corrupt, unethical, and/or fraud committed by there employer or co-workers. The Division of Labor and Standards Enforcement in The State of California, applicable in Long Beach, has gone so far as to require the placement of a posting at employment facilities that states the following (and more).
WHISTLEBLOWERS ARE PROTECTED.
- It is the public policy of the State of California to encourage employees to notify an appropriate government or law enforcement agency, person with authority over the employee, or another employee with authority to investigate, discover, or correct the violation or noncompliance, and to provide information to and testify before a public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry, when they have reason to believe their employer is violating a state or federal statute, or violating or not complying with a local, state or federal rule or regulation.
Possible Ramifications
Under California Labor Code Section 1102.5:
- “if an employer retaliates against a whistleblower, the employer may be required to reinstate the employee’s employment and work benefits, pay lost wages, and take other steps necessary to comply with the law.”
- In addition to other penalties, an employer that is a corporation or limited liability company is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
What To Do
If you need to report wrongdoings or illegalities you have witnessed while employed, contact JML Law in Long Beach by calling 818-610-8800 or emailing us by clicking HERE. Our firm has vast experience in Whistleblower claims and can protect the rights and future of our clients. Consult with one of our confidential attorneys who specialize in whistleblowing laws. Whether you feel the misconduct is small or profound, do not hesitate to do the right thing by coming forward and reporting unlawful misconduct by your employer. Seek proficient legal counsel today in Long Beach at JML Law.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you find yourself in this situation where you reported a law violation and your employer retaliated against you,
