Boca Raton Whistleblower Lawyer

Boca Raton Whistleblower Attorney

Sometimes, choosing to act with integrity can put people in uncomfortable positions, occasionally leading to significant personal consequences. We all want to believe the people we work for take care to do things legally and ethically, but that is not always the case. If you have been fired for doing the right thing, you may have legal recourse under whistleblower protection laws. Contact a Boca Raton whistleblower lawyer to explore your options.

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we have over two decades of experience serving clients in all aspects of employment law, including whistleblower protection. In whistleblower cases, we draw on our deep knowledge of employment law to provide sound legal advice and advocate for our clients’ rights. We are conveniently located for our Boca Raton clients, who can meet with us in our office at 1200 North Federal Highway.

What Is a Whistleblower?

Whistleblower is a colloquial term for someone who reports or otherwise draws attention to the illegal or unethical activities of an organization in a position of power over them. The term is commonly associated with people who break ranks in structures like government agencies or corporations to expose illicit or unsavory behavior. The following are some examples of scenarios that would be considered whistleblower activity:

• A corporate employee files a report with the Department of Labor regarding wage theft on the part of their employer.
• A government official reports another official for embezzlement or insider trading.
• A factory foreman reports OSHA violations that are intentionally ignored or perpetuated by management.

Whistleblowing, in a broad sense, is not uncommon. In fact, some government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service, actively encourage whistleblowers to come forward by providing financial incentives. In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission published a report stating that it had awarded over $255 million to 47 individual whistleblowers during Fiscal Year 2024.

What Legal Protections do Whistleblowers Have in Florida?

In Florida, whistleblowers have legal protections under the Florida Whistleblower Act, which is codified in Title 10, Chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes. Under this legislation, employers may not terminate or otherwise discipline employees in retaliation for whistleblower activities.

Activities protected under the Whistleblower Act include reporting illegal, unethical, or unsafe activities to the appropriate authorities independently, participating in a larger investigation regarding employer actions, or simply refusing to participate in the illicit activity. The protections afforded in the law do not apply if the whistleblower has themselves participated in illegal activity.

What to Do if You Are Fired After Filing a Complaint

If you were fired or otherwise punished after filing a whistleblower complaint against your employer, there are several steps you can take to report this violation and recover from the losses you have suffered.

If you are an employee of a government entity, your first step is to file a report with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. After you file your complaint with this agency, they will review your claim and the evidence. If they find in your favor, you can then file a civil lawsuit against your employer. The judgment of the Florida Commission on Human Relations is likely to weigh heavily in your favor in the civil lawsuit.

If you are an employee of a private company (not a government entity) and you experience retaliation after filing a whistleblower complaint, you should file a civil lawsuit against your employer. In such a lawsuit, you can recover compensation for lost wages, legal fees, and any other financial setbacks associated with job loss.

Hire a Boca Raton Whistleblower Lawyer

Whether you are in the process of filing an initial whistleblower complaint or you are already dealing with retaliation from your employer, it is advisable for you to hire a whistleblower lawyer to help you as you navigate the process of seeking justice.

If you are considering making an initial whistleblower report, your lawyer can help you gather any supporting evidence you may need and give you an idea of potential legal outcomes. If your employer has retaliated against you for whistleblower activity, your attorney can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf and build a case to support your claim in court.

FAQs

How Much Does a Whistleblower Attorney Cost in Boca Raton?

The cost to hire a whistleblower attorney in Boca Raton can vary based on the complexity of the case and individual lawyers’ rates and fee structures. However, many lawyers who take whistleblower cases do so on a contingency basis. Rather than requiring an up-front fee for their services, attorneys instead receive a percentage of any settlement they secure for their client. Speak with your lawyer about their potential fee structure.

Is Termination the Only Form of Retaliation for Whistleblower Activity?

Termination is not the only action that counts as retaliation for whistleblower activity. If an employee is demoted, verbally abused, afforded fewer working hours, or otherwise punished after filing a whistleblower complaint, the adverse action can be considered retaliation in a legal sense. All forms of retaliation following a whistleblower complaint are legally actionable.

What if My Concerns in My Whistleblower Complaint Turn Out to Be Unfounded?

If you submit a whistleblower complaint in good faith, truly believing that the employer has committed the violations you have reported, there is no punishment for you if the allegations prove to be false. Furthermore, even if the concerns in the whistleblower report are unfounded, your employer cannot retaliate against you for a report you made in good faith.

If I Have Been Terminated for Whistleblowing, Can I Get My Old Job Back?

You could theoretically get your old job back as part of your employer’s remediation for retaliating against you. If your civil action against your employer is successful, they may be legally required to reinstate you in your former position or, at the least, in a comparable position with similar pay and benefits.

Boca Raton Whistleblower Lawyer

If you are filing a whistleblower complaint and need representation, or if you have already filed a complaint and suffered adverse action from your employer, you need the help of an experienced attorney to navigate these challenges. At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we are ready to help you advocate for your rights. Contact us today to discuss your needs.