Pennsylvania Whistleblower Attorneys

What is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is someone who reports fraudulent or illegal business activities within their organization, often at great personal risk. Whistleblowers can be employees, contractors, or even customers of a company.

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in keeping organizations accountable and preventing fraud and corruption. However, blowing the whistle can come with significant consequences for the whistleblower. That’s why there are federal and state laws in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers.

Federal Protections for Whistleblowers

The federal government has several laws in place to protect whistleblowers, including:

• Federal False Claims Act: This law allows individuals to bring lawsuits on behalf of the government against companies committing fraud against the government. Whistleblowers who help recover funds through FCA cases are entitled to a portion of those funds.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act: This law protects employees of publicly traded companies who expose fraud or violations of securities laws within their company. It also prohibits retaliation against these employees.
• Dodd-Frank Act: This law provides financial incentives and protection to whistleblowers who report securities fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Whistleblowers can receive a percentage of the penalty imposed on the violating company.
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): Similar to the Dodd-Frank Act, this law provides financial incentives and protections for whistleblowers who report violations of commodities trading laws to the CFTC.
• Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act: This law strengthens protections for whistleblowers in the federal government, including expanded coverage for contractors and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
• Food Safety Modernization Act: This law protects employees of food companies who report safety violations or other misconduct related to the production, processing, and distribution of food products.
• Consumer Protection Act: This law protects employees who report violations of consumer protection laws to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
• Healthcare Fraud: This law protects healthcare whistleblowers who report fraud against government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid or private health insurers. Whistleblowers can receive a portion of the funds recovered from these cases.
• IRS Whistleblower Program: This program allows individuals to report tax fraud and receive a percentage of the taxes recovered by the IRS.
• Pharmaceutical Fraud: This law protects whistleblowers who report pharmaceutical companies engaging in off-label marketing, kickbacks, or other fraudulent activities. Whistleblowers are entitled to a percentage of the funds recovered by the government.

State Protections for Whistleblowers in Pennsylvania

In addition to federal protections, many states have laws in place to protect whistleblowers. In Pennsylvania, these laws include:

• The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA): This act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who oppose discriminatory practices or participate in investigations regarding discrimination.
• Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL): This law protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of wage and hour laws.
• Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law: This law protects employees who report violations of environmental regulations or threats to public health and safety from retaliation by their employer.

Retaliation Against Whistleblowers

Despite these laws in place, retaliation against whistleblowers still occurs. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, harassment, or even blacklisting.

If you have blown the whistle on your employer and are facing retaliation, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. Our experienced whistleblower lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan can help protect your legal rights and fight for justice.

How an Experienced Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help

If you are considering blowing the whistle on your employer or have already done so and are facing retaliation, seeking legal representation from an experienced whistleblower attorney is essential. At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, we offer a variety of services to assist whistleblowers:

• Case Evaluation: We offer free initial consultations to evaluate the details of your case and determine if you have a viable whistleblower claim.
• Protection From Retaliation: Our attorneys will take immediate action to protect you from any retaliation by your employer, including filing for injunctions and temporary restraining orders.
• Representation During Investigations: We can represent you during investigations by government agencies or internal investigations within your organization.
• Negotiations and Litigation: Our experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case, whether through settlement negotiations or trial.
• Advocacy for Maximum Compensation: If you are entitled to a reward or compensation under federal laws, we will advocate to ensure you receive the maximum amount possible.