Whistleblower Lawyers in Pasadena, California
A whistleblower is an individual, often an employee, who exposes wrongdoing, fraud, or illegal activity within an organization. These courageous individuals play a crucial role in maintaining integrity and accountability in the workplace.
Whistleblower laws thus serve a crucial purpose; they safeguard employees who bring attention to corporate activities that violate state or federal regulations or breach public policies. Employees are granted the right to disclose wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. These laws were enacted to protect individuals who alert the appropriate legal authorities or the general public about unlawful business practices.
Domb & Rauchwerger is a Pasadena-based law firm that protects your whistleblower rights. With a background in which they previously worked for employers, including Fortune 500 companies, our attorneys have exceptional insight into how corporations fight employment law claims from workers.
Our team has built a solid reputation for aggressive representation backed by rigorous investigation, case preparation, application of the law, and negotiation and litigation skills used on behalf of California employees statewide.
Request a free consultation with a Pasadena whistleblower attorney by submitting our online contact formor calling us at (213) 772-5882.
Whistleblower Protection Laws
Federal and state laws in the United States protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Under federal law, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 (WPA) safeguards federal employees who disclose illegal or improper governmental activities.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) protects whistleblowers who report fraud in publicly traded companies. The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 further protects whistleblowers on securities and commodities law matters.
California law also provides strong whistleblower protections. For instance, the California Whistleblower Protection Act shields state government employees from retaliation, whereas the California Labor Code (Section 1102.5) protects all California employees in both private and public sectors.
California whistleblower protections extend to a broad range of employees. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees in both public and private sectors. Independent contractors are also protected under certain circumstances.
Whether an individual is employed by a small business or a large corporation, the law provides safeguards against retaliation for reporting illegal activities. Furthermore, these protections apply regardless of an employee's citizenship or immigration status. This expansive approach ensures that all employees have the rights and means to expose wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
Don't face legal challenges alone. Contact us at (213) 772-5882 to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys.
Examples of Whistleblower Activities
Whistleblower activities can include:
- Reporting fraudulent financial activities or mismanagement of funds
- Exposing health and safety violations
- Revealing illegal activities like corruption or bribery
- Disclosing violations of company policies or industry regulations
- Uncovering discrimination or harassment
Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
Retaliation against whistleblowers by employers is strictly prohibited in California.
Retaliation can take many forms including, but not limited to:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Salary reduction
- Harassment
- Any other adverse work-related action taken as a consequence of an employee revealing wrongful activities
While it is illegal for employers to retaliate in this manner, it unfortunately still occurs. The California Labor Code, specifically Section 1102.5, offers robust provisions to safeguard employees from such retaliatory practices.
It ensures that any employee who blows the whistle on illegal activities within their organization is protected from reprisal. However, successfully navigating a retaliation claim requires a careful legal strategy to substantiate that the adverse action resulted from whistleblowing.
Legal Remedies & Compensation for California Whistleblowers
California whistleblowers who have suffered adverse actions due to their disclosures can seek various legal remedies. This can include reinstatement if the employee was wrongfully terminated, as well as back pay and future lost wages.
Whistleblowers may also be compensated for damage to their reputation and emotional distress caused by retaliatory actions. In some cases, whistleblowers may be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish the employer for particularly egregious conduct. They may also be eligible to recover attorney's fees and costs associated with the litigation.
The exact compensation and remedies available are specific to each case, depending on the nature of the retaliation, the extent of the damages suffered, and the specific statutory provisions under which the whistleblower is filing their claim.
What Makes Us Different
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Former Defense AttorneysGain a unique advantage with our firsthand knowledge of how corporations and insurance companies operate.
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Collaborative ApproachOur founders collaborate on every case. This dynamic approach enhances our ability to secure favorable outcomes for you.
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Respected in the Legal CommunityOur esteemed reputation and well-established connections within the legal community set us apart.
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Free ConsultationsTalk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.
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Millions Recovered on Behalf of Our ClientsOur track record of successful outcomes demonstrates our proficiency and commitment to fighting for your rights.
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Hablamos EspañolEmployment law help provided by a Spanish-speaking team.
Competent Representation in Pasadena for California Employees
At Domb & Rauchwerger, our deep understanding of the nuances of employment law and our extensive experience positions us to offer compelling representation in whistleblower cases. We actively work to expose any instances of unlawful retaliation and seek rightful compensation for our clients.
Reach us online or at (213) 772-5882 for a free consultation about your case.
