Whistleblower Claims
People spend a good part of the day at the workplace. It should be a positive experience in all aspects ranging from personal satisfaction to smooth and legal day-to-day operations. But if you are asked to engage in illegal activity or if you witness it, then your positive workplace experience can change drastically.
Misconduct or illegal activity on the part of the employer should be reported. Employees who report this are called “whistleblowers”. Making the decision to report illegal activity can be unnerving. The employee may be concerned that there could be some type of retribution on the part of the employer.
As a Whistleblower, You Are Protected
In Florida, there are statutes that protect both private and public employees in situations where there negative consequences could potentially result from refusing to adhere to unlawful employer conduct.
– Public-Sector Employees- Florida Statute Section 112.3187 states that no government agency or contracting agency shall dismiss, discipline, or take any other adverse personnel action against an employee for disclosing
- “any violation or suspected violation of any law, regulation, or rule that creates and poses a substantial and specific danger to the public’s health, safety, or welfare; or
- any act or suspected act of gross mismanagement, malfeasance, misfeasance, gross waste of public funds, suspected or actual Medicaid fraud or abuse, or gross neglect of duty committed by an employee or agent of an agency or independent contractor.”
– Private-Sector Employees – Florida Statute Section 448.102 protects private-sector employees who
- disclose information on their own initiative in a written and signed complaint;
- are requested to participate in an investigation, hearing, or other inquiry conducted by any agency or federal government entity; or
- refuse to participate in any adverse action.”
Collin Cherry, Tallahassee Whistleblower Attorney
There are additional federal and state laws created to protect a person who “blows the whistle.” If you are disciplined, terminated, or some other retaliatory action is taken as a result of whistleblowing you may be due compensation.
While it is a complex and involved issue, Collin Cherry is experienced and knowledgeable in this area. He can answer your questions and determine the appropriate action to take. He will then work to see that you are protected and receive any compensation that is due to you. Don’t delay. Some of these laws have short statutes of limitations.
Mr. Cherry offers free consultations and looks forward to helping you. Call (850)-224-1100 to schedule an appointment.
