The Employment Law Firm Group, Whistleblower Protection Attorneys, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You shouldn't lose your job for standing up for what is right. There are several state and federal laws that provide whistleblower protection. The Employment Law Firm Group can help you stand up to your employer.

Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means your boss can fire you, or you can quit your job, at any time, with or without notice. But "at-will" does not mean your employer can retaliate against you for reporting dangerous situations, discrimination, or other unlawful behavior. Depending on where you work, and what you report, you may be entitled to whistleblower protection under state law, federal statutes, or both.

Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law

If your employer receives any state money and you report wrongdoing, you may be allowed to sue for wrongful discharge or retaliation. The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law initially only protected government employees, but the courts have expanded this to include any company that receives state funds. If you have a publicly-funded employer, the Employment Law Firm Group can help you get your job back, and receive back pay, fringe benefits, and seniority as though you had never left. You may also be entitled other related damages, attorney fees, and costs.

If you work for a private company, you may still qualify for a wrongful discharge lawsuit if your termination violated public policy. For example, if you stood up for a co-worker's right to receive worker's compensation, or were fired for serving on a jury, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit in state court. In those cases, you may be entitled to your actual losses, as well as punitive damages.

Federal Whistleblower Protection

You may also be entitled to federal whistleblower protection for reporting dangers in the workplace or environmental safety concerns. There are over 20 federal statutes that contain whistleblower protection in different industries. You may be covered for reports to federal regulators related to:

• Workplace health or safety;
• Asbestos;
• Air quality;
• Water quality;
• Environmental risks;
• Transportation safety;
• Motor vehicle defects;
• Pipeline safety;
• Maritime law;
• Health insurance;
• Consumer protection;
• Financial, bank, or securities fraud; or
• Food safety.

These whistleblower protection laws only apply if you report violations of the respective regulations or refuse to act in a way that would violate the law. They do not apply to workplace discrimination retaliation lawsuits, which are covered under different laws.

What is Whistleblower Retaliation

You don't necessarily have to be fired to be entitled to whistleblower protections. Federal and state laws protect workers from many "adverse employment actions" including:

• Firing or laying off;
• Demoting;
• Denying promotion;
• Discipline or suspension;
• Denial of benefits;
• Failure to hire/rehire;
• Intimidation or workplace harassment;
• Threats;
• Reassignments; or
• Reduction of pay or hours.

Filing a Whistleblower Complaint

The Office of Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) addresses all federal whistleblower complaints. If you have faced discrimination because you stood up for the law, the Employment Law Firm Group will help you file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA. These complaints must be filed within 30 days of the employer's action.

Hire the Employment Law Firm Group

With such a short window of opportunity to file a whistleblower protection claim, it is important that you talk to an experienced employment lawyer as soon as possible. Don't miss your chance to get your job back and protect your rights as an employee. Contact the Employment Law Firm Group right away for a free phone consultation.