Whistleblower Protection and Retaliation
Supporting Those Who Speak Out Against Wrongdoing — Kennedy Law
Employees who report illegal, unsafe, or unethical practices in the workplace play a vital role in protecting the public interest. These individuals—often referred to as whistleblowers—have the courage to speak up when something is wrong. But when an employer retaliates against someone for doing the right thing, that employee may have a legal claim under federal whistleblower laws or Pennsylvania’s Whistleblower Law. At Kennedy Law, Mr. Kennedy represents employees who have suffered retaliation after reporting wrongdoing or waste.
What You Should Know About Whistleblower Claims:
- A whistleblower is someone who reports illegal or improper conduct. This can include fraud, corruption, health and safety violations, discrimination, environmental violations, or misuse of public funds.
- Retaliation for whistleblowing is illegal. Under certain federal and state laws, Employers cannot lawfully fire, demote, harass, or otherwise punish an employee for reporting illegal or improper conduct in good faith.
- Pennsylvania’s Whistleblower Law provides strong protections. Under this state law, public employees—or private employees of entities receiving public funds—are protected from retaliation for reporting or participating in investigations of wrongdoing or waste.
- The law protects reports made to a supervisor or public body. Employees do not need to go to law enforcement to be protected—reports to internal company management or government agencies may qualify.
- Retaliation can take many forms. It might include termination, discipline, reassignment, isolation, or unfavorable performance reviews that didn’t exist before the report.
- Documentation is key. Whistleblowers should keep records of what was reported, when it was reported, and any changes in treatment afterward. These details are often critical in building a legal case.
- There are short deadlines to take action. Under Pennsylvania’s Whistleblower Law, claims must be filed within 180 days of the retaliatory act. Federal whistleblower laws may have different deadlines depending on the agency or statute.
- Remedies may be available. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, benefits, emotional distress damages, and legal fees.