What happens when you are fired or victimized for reporting illegal activity? This is where a whistleblower or retaliation lawyer comes in. Every employee has the right to feel safe in the workplace. Therefore, if you witness or feel any form of harassment, abuse of power, questionable practices, or exploitation in the workplace, you should feel safe to report it.
Reporting such acts helps make the workplace a safer and secure environment for the workforce, both present and future.
Here is how you can pursue your claim when suing for wrongful termination associated with whistleblowing or retaliation.
Meet with a Whistleblower Attorney in Washington, D.C.
Whistleblowing or retaliation cases can be complicated. The rules related to filing for these claims vary from state to state. In the District of Columbia, government employees are protected under the D.C. Whistleblower Protection Act. This law lets whistleblowers file qui tam cases if they’re aware of violations of district code.
Our law firm deals with practice areas concerning the False Claims Act, and other relevant whistleblower lawsuits. An experienced wrongful termination employment lawyer can study your case and help you determine whether your claim is valid based on applicable law.
Prepare for your first appointment by setting up a timeline of events: What triggered your complaint or report? What happened when you lodged your complaint or tried to exercise your rights? To prove retaliation for whistleblowing, you have to provide proof that your firing or reprimand is directly related to your report or complaint.
Timing is critical: The less time between your complaint and the employer’s retaliation, the stronger your claim will be. Acting quickly will also show your employer that you know your rights.
The whistleblower lawyer will examine the facts of your case, explain potential claims, and suggest an estimate of how much you should claim. The lawyer will also help you come up with a strategy to exercise your rights, whether through settling with your employer, settling the matter in court, or filing a complaint with the relevant government agency.
Damages You May be Entitled to During Your Whistleblowing and Retaliation Claim
How much you will be awarded should you win your whistleblowing or retaliation case depends on the strength and grounds of your claim. Most often, your retaliation will advise you to ask for:
- Back pay: These include lost wages and benefits due to wrongful dismissal.
- Reinstatement or front pay: You may ask the court to reinstate you back to your job or award you the wages you will lose while out of employment.
- Out-of-pocket loses: These are the expenses you get to pay as a result of losing your job. They include the cost of searching for a new job.
- Court costs and the lawyer’s fees.
Seek legal advice from HKM Employment Attorneys if you are experiencing whistleblower retaliation.
Call 202-871-8188, schedule a call, or fill out this form and we will get back to you ASAP.