Whistleblower protection refers to federal and state laws that shield employees who report illegal or unethical conduct in the workplace. These laws prevent employers from retaliating against workers who expose fraud, safety violations, regulatory breaches, or other unlawful activities.
California Labor Code Section 1102.5 is one of the strongest whistleblower statutes in the country. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who disclose information to government agencies, law enforcement, or supervisors about suspected violations of law.
If you reported wrongdoing and faced negative consequences at work, a whistleblower protection lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue legal action.
Retaliation takes many forms. Employers may attempt to punish whistleblowers through:
Wrongful termination after reporting misconduct
Demotion or denial of promotion
Reduction in hours, pay, or benefits
Hostile work environment or harassment
Blacklisting or negative references
Constructive discharge (forcing resignation through intolerable conditions)
Failure to protect whistleblower identity
California law protects employees who report violations internally or to outside agencies. Retaliation is illegal regardless of whether the reported conduct is ultimately proven true—what matters is that you had a reasonable belief the violation occurred.
employment
Personal Injury
We start with a detailed review of your situation. Our process includes:
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and prepared for each stage.
California offers some of the most comprehensive whistleblower protections in the United States. Key statutes include:
Federal laws such as the False Claims Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and Dodd-Frank Act provide additional protections for specific industries.
We handle cases involving:
Our approach is direct: we investigate thoroughly, build strong cases, and pursue maximum compensation for our clients. We represent employees only—never employers.
Early action strengthens your case. Contact us as soon as possible after experiencing retaliation.
If you experienced retaliation after reporting workplace misconduct, you have legal options. Mercer Legal Group represents whistleblowers across Los Angeles who need experienced legal guidance.
Contact our attorneys today at (818) 900-7852 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
Organizational whistleblowing involves informing authorities or the public of unlawful, unethical, or dangerous behaviors. Example: fraud, corruption, environmental challenges, and health and safety. A whistleblower lawyer can help you to understand the whistleblowing.
Many whistleblower lawyers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case. In most cases, the whistleblower protection lawyer receives a percentage of the recovery or settlement. This makes legal representation affordable, even if you’re concerned about upfront costs.
Gather proof, such as company emails, of whistleblowing-related reprisal. Consult an experienced lawyer for whistleblower about your legal alternatives.
The timeline for resolving a whistleblower case can vary depending on the complexity of the situation, the evidence, and the legal process. Some cases may be resolved quickly through settlement, while others may take longer if litigation is required. A CFTC whistleblower lawyer will keep you informed and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
No, federal and state laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation. This includes protection from termination, demotion, harassment, or other adverse actions. If you face retaliation, you may have legal grounds for a lawsuit. Contact a whistleblower protection lawyer to discuss your options and ensure your rights are upheld.