Tampa Whistleblower Lawyer

Tampa Whistleblower Attorney

It takes a lot of courage to step forward and expose the illegal activities of someone with whom you work. If you know your company is committing fraud or violating the law, making the decision to come forward can be extremely difficult. If you decide to blow the whistle, a Tampa whistleblower lawyer can help you determine whether you have a claim and walk you through the next steps.

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., has been representing employees for over 30 years. With a practice dedicated to employment law, Gary Costales has handled hundreds of cases in state and federal courts. Our experienced team can provide whistleblowers with the legal guidance they need to navigate their case and protect their rights.

What Is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is a person—usually an employee—who reports unethical, illegal, or immoral activities within an organization. A whistleblower can report the information internally to their manager or through other internal sources, such as a hotline if their company has one. Sometimes it’s necessary to report it outside of the company. This means going to external sources, such as the authorities, the media, or a watchdog organization.

Whistleblowers play a big part in recovering money for the government. For fiscal year 2022, whistleblower recoveries totaled $1.99 billion, but increased to $2.33 billion in fiscal year 2023. Most of the money that the government recovered was related to healthcare, but this increase was due to cases involving the Department of Defense.

Hire a Whistleblower Lawyer

The Florida Whistleblower Act protects employees who report their employers for illegal practices and misconduct. State and federal laws protect them from retaliation, such as losing their job, just because they reported what they witnessed. A Tampa whistleblower attorney with knowledge of whistleblower laws can provide legal advice throughout the complaint process.

Allegations of wrongdoing can harm an employer’s reputation. This could mean that the employees who report them may need protection to avoid losing their jobs or damaging their own reputations. The complexity of whistleblower cases makes it necessary to have an experienced attorney ready to protect your rights. An attorney can help with:

• Reinstatement if you lose your job
• Recovering lost wages
• Reimbursement for legal costs

Common Whistleblower Complaints

Whistleblowers can be found in all types of professions and in every industry, whether it’s in the private or the public sector. Some common whistleblower complaints include:

• Health and safety violations. An employee witnesses improper handling of hazardous materials.
• Healthcare fraud. This involves a hospital, doctor, or medical practice defrauding a government-run health insurance program such as Medicaid.
• Financial fraud. Employees may witness embezzlement, insider trading, or illegal financial activities. Employees who report these activities are protected under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Discrimination. Employees may witness violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Environmental violations. A person who witnesses improper disposal of hazardous waste or company procedures that cause pollution.

Whistleblowing Rewards

Whistleblowers who submit information about fraud against the government may be eligible for a monetary award. The rewards are based on a percentage of the recovered money. For example, the SEC awarded over $255 million in rewards to 47 different whistleblowers in 2024.

Some of the laws that protect individuals and offer financial rewards include the False Claims Act of 1863 and the IRS Whistleblower Law of 2006. A good attorney will know the laws that help encourage individuals to report illegal actions, and they will know how to represent you to ensure that you know how to seek and receive a reward for doing what’s right.

FAQs

Contact a Tampa Whistleblower Lawyer

Whistleblower cases often involve complex reporting requirements and strict deadlines. Many employees are unsure whether their disclosures even qualify for protection under these acts. Speaking with an attorney early can help you avoid missteps and better understand your options.

If you have knowledge about wrongdoings at your current or former workplace, it’s time to contact a whistleblower attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., for a confidential consultation. Whistleblower claims can be challenging to navigate, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our team of skilled employment lawyers can help guide you through the process and ensure you understand your rights.