Retaliation for Whistleblowing

When an employee witnesses an act of wrongdoing in the workplace – no matter if it is a criminal or civil violation – he or she has the right to “blow the whistle” on the party at fault. This act, known as whistle blowing, is more generally defined as the reporting of any type of misconduct, including legal violations, breaching of workplace regulations, or taking any sort of action that poses a threat to the general public.

Common Forms of Retaliation

Whistleblowers are protected by law against any retaliatory actions taken against them. Typically, especially if an employee reports wrongdoing by a supervisor or higher-up in the company, he or she will be at risk of suffering the following retaliatory forms of punishment:

• Job termination
• Job demotion
• Cut in wages
• Failure to receive a deserved promotion
• Verbal harassment

If you have been a victim of whistleblower retaliation, you have the right to legally confront your employers in a court of law. Victims of retaliation may be awarded the wages they lost from their employers’ illicit acts of retribution, punitive damages, and liquidated damages. Those who have lost their jobs may also be given their positions back.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about whistle blowing and your rights as a whistleblower, contact the San Antonio employment lawyers of Melton & Kumler, LLP today at 800-681-6932 to speak with a qualified attorney about your questions. You should not have to suffer the punishments of a retaliatory employer if you have done nothing wrong.