When an employee learns that their employer is violating the law, engaging in unethical behavior, or committing another type of wrongdoing, it can be difficult to come forward and report the matter out of fear of retaliation by the employer – often in the form of termination. To protect the rights of employees who report unlawful acts, both federal and Nevada state laws prohibit an employer from taking any type of retaliatory action against these “whistleblowers.”
The committed legal team at HKM Employment Attorneys in Las Vegas understands how brave whistleblowers are to come forward and expose wrongful behaviors on the part of their employers. We work to stand up for the rights of these individuals against retaliation and to any other compensation to which they are entitled. If you are considering reporting your employer or if you have already been wrongfully terminated due to blowing the whistle, please call our office as soon as possible to learn how we can help you.
Bringing Whistleblower Claims
Despite laws explicitly against retaliation, whistleblowers often experience adverse employment actions such as demotion, harassment, discipline, denial of pay increases, and – most often – termination. While it is no surprise that a company may fire an employee that reported wrongful actions, this only adds to the unlawful acts of the employer and the whistleblower has the right to take legal action to assert their rights.
While many types of retaliation and wrongful termination may be difficult to prove, a whistleblower must generally prove the following to prevail in a claim:
- They reported misconduct on the part of an employer or superior at work;
- They suffered an adverse employment action;
- The adverse employment action was in response to their report.
If the above can be proven, the employer will be found to have violated public policy and the whistleblower will be entitled to have their job reinstated if they wish, as well a compensation for any monetary or emotional losses they suffered. Our attorneys know how to help whistleblowers obtain the maximum amount of recovery they deserve under the law.
Qui Tam Claims
One special type of whistleblower claim is referred to as a “qui tam suit.” This type of legal action can arise if an employer has committed fraudulent acts against a government agency for monetary gain in violation of the False Claims Act. If a private employee learns of the fraud, they have the right to file a qui tam lawsuit against the company to recover losses on behalf of the government. If the fraud is proven, the individual employee may be awarded a portion of the government’s recovery. These cases can be extraordinarily complex and you always need a highly capable attorney representing you if you learn of fraud against the government.
Find Out How a Las Vegas Whistleblower Attorney Can Assist You
Whistleblowing can be a difficult decision though you should always remember you have extensive rights under the law if you choose to do the right thing. The legal team at HKM Employment Attorneys is committed to standing up for brave whistleblowers and their rights, so please call a Nevada whistleblower claims lawyer for help today.
