Protection Against Retaliation For Reporting Wrongdoing
Some employees will turn a blind eye to unlawful activity or even go along with it. It takes courage to speak up, as employees who do are often met with reprisal rather than praise. If you were fired or suffered other retaliation for reporting fraud or illegal acts, you may be entitled to remedies under state and federal whistleblower laws.
The employment litigation attorneys of Klafter & Mason, L.L.C., represent private and public sector employees in Central New Jersey who have called attention to an employer's criminal activity. Our lawyers pursue whistleblower lawsuits under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act and the False Claims Act. Contact us to explore your rights in a free initial consultation.
New Jersey CEPA Attorneys · New Jersey False Claims Act Attorneys
The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) covers public and private employees, even independent contractors. CEPA protects employees against wrongful termination or retaliation for:
- Reporting fraudulent or corrupt actions to management or authorities
- Cooperating in an investigation of the employer's illegal activities
- Voicing objections or refusing to participate in the unlawful activity
The misconduct or criminal acts must violate public policy or laws pertaining to public health, safety, welfare or the environment: illegal dumping or emissions, bribes or kickbacks, tax fraud, government contract fraud, insider trading, etc.
Pursuing Remedies For Whistleblower Retaliation Or Termination
Retaliation may come in the form of firing, suspension, demotion, transfer or other adverse employment action. Many times the reprisal is more subtle, such as reassignment, poor performance reviews or harassment constituting a hostile work environment.
Under a CEPA lawsuit, New Jersey whistleblowers may be entitled to economic damages (lost wages and benefits), compensatory damages (emotional distress), attorney's fees and punitive damages.
Under the federal False Claims Act, employees who report an employer's defrauding of the U.S. government can bring a qui tam lawsuit, which allows the whistleblower to collect a percentage of any money the government recovers in prosecuting the fraudulence.
Have You Suffered Backlash As A Whistleblower?
To discuss your potential claims with our Manalapan whistleblower claims attorneys, call Klafter & Mason, L.L.C., 866-219-2495, or contact us online. We take CEPA cases in Monmouth County, Central New Jersey and statewide.
