Some employers may not always follow the state and federal laws that are in place to protect workers or prevent misuse of government funds. In these cases, whistleblowers can play an important role in holding employers accountable for their wrongful actions. Critically, whistleblowing is a protected activity under employment law and employers may not retaliate against an employee who reports abuse, misconduct, or a violation. But this doesn’t always mean an employer won’t take adverse action. At Stember Cohn & Davidson-Welling LLC, our whistleblower attorneys represent individuals for a wide variety of employment matters.

If you reported an employer’s waste, illegal actions, or wrongdoing in good faith and you experienced retaliation, it’s essential to consult with an attorney to learn about your rights. The whistleblower attorneys at Stember Cohn & Davidson-Welling LLC have extensive experience representing whistleblowers in many different industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Working to obtain the best possible results in every case, we apply our deep knowledge of the laws that prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who take a stand against illegal conduct in the workplace.

What is a Whistleblower?

There are a number of whistleblower laws in place at both the state and federal levels to protect employees who report their employers for fraud, legal violations, or other misconduct. These employees — who are referred to as whistleblowers — sometimes release the information to the relevant governing body or authorities, and may be eligible for a reward. Whistleblowing can occur in both the private and public sectors.

It’s vital to be aware that whistleblowing can take place inside the company, as well as externally. In many instances, an employee may report the illegal activity to their supervisor or human resources, hoping that a resolution will be reached. Regardless of whether the whistleblowing was internal or the wrongdoing was reported to an outside agency, an employee may have legal safeguards available to them.

Our whistleblower attorneys provide critical counsel to employees regarding the best and most strategic ways to blow the whistle and report misconduct. Whether you are contemplating an internal corporate compliance report or disclosure to a governmental enforcement agency, we can advise you about your options and the potential outcomes.

Skillful Counsel and Aggressive Advocacy for Whistleblower Retaliation

While whistleblowing is a protected activity, it is not without risk. Retaliation against public employees is strictly prohibited under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law. Many federal laws also protect whistleblowers. Unfortunately, some employees are punished for bringing the wrongdoing of their employers to light. If this happens, the employee may be entitled to file a claim for retaliation.

At Stember Cohn & Davidson-Welling, are employment lawyers represent whistleblowers who have been retaliated against in the form of:

• Threats
• Termination
• Discipline
• Reduced hours
• Intimidation
• Harassment
• Denial of overtime
• Reassignment to a less desirable position
• Isolation or ostracization
• Falsely accusing the employee of poor performance
• Constructive discharge

Facing an adverse employment action for doing the right thing in reporting an employer’s wrongdoing can take a toll on you — financially, emotionally, and professionally. Working closely with each client, we take the time to understand the facts of your case. Dedicated to protecting your whistleblower rights, our attorneys will diligently evaluate your options and implement a comprehensive strategy to secure a favorable outcome.

For many whistleblowers, the consequences they face can be serious. If an employer punished you for reporting their misconduct or exposing their fraud, you may have incurred various damages. Not only can an adverse employment action cause you to suffer financially, but you might also have experienced reputational harm, humiliation, and mental anguish.

Under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Act, public employees who have been retaliated against may be entitled to a wide variety of damages. Depending on the circumstances, legal remedies can include reinstatement to the position, back pay, lost benefits, litigation costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and other damages. In addition to economic damages, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has also held that an aggrieved employee may recover non-economic damages under the Act for the emotional harm they were caused to suffer due to the retaliatory action.

At Stember Cohn & Davidson-Welling, our attorneys understand the impact retaliatory employment action can have on your life and livelihood. Providing personalized time and attention to every client, we skillfully assess the details of your case and identify the best course of action to take to achieve positive results. Whether your matter can be resolved through negotiation outside the courtroom, or it must be litigated, our legal team is committed to obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.

Contact Knowledgeable Pittsburgh Whistleblower Attorneys

If you have been retaliated against due to exposing an employer’s illegal actions or violations, it’s critical to consult with a skilled employment attorney who can discuss your legal rights and remedies. At Stember Cohn & Davidson-Welling LLC, we represent individuals for a wide variety of whistleblowing matters. Located in Pittsburgh, we serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania. Call (412) 338-1445, or contact us to schedule a no-fee, initial consultation to learn how our whistleblower attorneys can help you.