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Whistleblower
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 The federal False Claims Act protects a conscientious employee who reports fraudulent or deceptive practices by any employer who receives supporting funds, billing proceeds, reimbursements or other payments from the U.S. government. In addition to making it illegal to fire, demote, or otherwise discriminate against an employee making a good-faith report of fraud or abuse, it also provides a means for such whistleblowers to make their reports confidentially. Reports leading to the successful recovery of federal monies from a fraudulent employer through litigation entitle the whistleblower to receive a percentage of the recovered funds as a reward.
Other laws protect the rights of whistleblowers in other circumstances. For example, New Jersey's Conscientious Employee Protection Act makes it illegal to discriminate against any employee because he or she has complained of any illegal or unethical practice by the employer, regardless of whether federal funds are involved. If successful, lawsuits under CEPA result in the payment of damages to the employee victim, as well as other potential remedies, including attorney's fees and costs, as well as reinstatement to the whistleblower's proper position. Pennsylvania's Whistleblower Law provides damages, punitive damages, fees, and other relief to employees who are discriminated against because they make good-faith reports of wrongdoing or waste by a governmental employer, or an employer receiving substantial funding from a federal, state or local government. Lawsuits under the Act must be brought within six months of the alleged discrimination. To consult with a Williams Cuker Berezofsky attorney regarding a potential whistleblower claim, you may submit a confidential case inquiry form. Resources: |
