Whistleblower claims are an essential mechanism for holding companies and organizations accountable for illegal or unethical behavior. If you’ve witnessed wrongdoing at your workplace and are considering coming forward, it’s crucial to understand the legal protections available to you. At LG Law LLC in Missouri, we are dedicated to guiding whistleblowers through the process of filing a claim and ensuring that their rights are protected.



What Is a Whistleblower Claim?

A whistleblower is an employee or individual who reports illegal activities, fraud, or misconduct within an organization to government authorities or regulatory agencies. These claims can involve various types of wrongdoing, including:

• Fraud: This can include financial fraud, such as embezzlement or accounting fraud, as well as fraudulent claims submitted to government programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
• Violation of Laws or Regulations: This could involve environmental violations, safety violations (OSHA), or other breaches of federal or state laws.
• Corruption or Mismanagement: Whistleblowers may expose corruption, misuse of company resources, or unethical management practices.

Whistleblower claims are protected under various state and federal laws, ensuring that individuals who report wrongdoing are not retaliated against for speaking up.

Federal and Missouri Whistleblower Protections

Both federal laws and Missouri state laws provide protections for whistleblowers who report misconduct. Some of the key protections include:

Federal Laws:

• False Claims Act (FCA): The FCA allows whistleblowers to report fraud against the federal government, such as fraudulent billing or overcharging for goods and services. Whistleblowers (also known as “relators”) may be entitled to a portion of any recovered funds.
• Dodd-Frank Act: The Dodd-Frank Act provides protections for whistleblowers who report securities violations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Whistleblowers may be eligible for monetary rewards and protection from employer retaliation.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): SOX offers protections for employees who report corporate fraud or violations of federal securities laws, particularly in publicly traded companies.

Missouri State Laws:

• Missouri Whistleblower Protection Act: This state law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violations of state laws or regulations, refuse to engage in illegal activities, or participate in investigations related to the violation of state laws.
• Workers' Compensation Whistleblower Protections: Missouri law also protects employees from retaliation if they report workplace safety violations or file a workers' compensation claim.

Types of Whistleblower Retaliation

Even with strong legal protections in place, many whistleblowers face retaliation from their employers after coming forward with their claims. Retaliation can take many forms, including:

• Termination: Firing an employee for reporting wrongdoing is one of the most common forms of retaliation.
• Demotion: Employers may try to punish whistleblowers by reducing their job responsibilities, pay, or status within the company.
• Harassment: Whistleblowers may experience harassment or a hostile work environment after reporting misconduct.
• Blacklisting: Employers may attempt to prevent a whistleblower from finding new employment by damaging their reputation within the industry.

If you’ve faced retaliation for blowing the whistle, it’s important to take legal action quickly to protect your rights and seek compensation for any harm caused by your employer’s actions.

Filing a Whistleblower Claim

If you’re considering filing a whistleblower claim, it’s crucial to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your case. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Gather Evidence: Before filing a whistleblower claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. This could include documents, emails, financial records, or witness testimony that shows the misconduct or illegal activity.
2. Consult an Attorney: Whistleblower cases can be complex and involve various state and federal laws. Working with an experienced attorney at LG Law LLC can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and increase your chances of a successful claim.
3. File a Report: Depending on the type of wrongdoing, you may need to report the misconduct to a federal or state agency, such as the SEC, OSHA, or the Department of Justice. Your attorney will guide you on the appropriate agency and filing procedures.
4. Protection from Retaliation: If you experience retaliation from your employer after filing a whistleblower claim, you may be able to file a separate lawsuit for retaliation. This can help you recover lost wages, benefits, and damages for emotional distress.
5. Potential Rewards: In some whistleblower cases, such as those involving the False Claims Act or Dodd-Frank Act, whistleblowers may be entitled to a financial reward if the government recovers funds due to the whistleblower’s information.

Why You Need an Experienced Whistleblower Attorney

Filing a whistleblower claim can be a daunting process, and the risk of employer retaliation can make it even more challenging. Having an experienced whistleblower attorney on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and ensuring your case is handled properly.

At LG Law LLC, we have extensive experience representing whistleblowers in Missouri, and we are committed to advocating for those who take a stand against fraud, corruption, and illegal activities. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to filing your claim and protecting you from retaliation.

Whistleblower claims are an important tool for exposing wrongdoing and protecting the public from fraud and other illegal activities. If you’ve witnessed misconduct at your workplace, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. At LG Law LLC, we are here to support whistleblowers in Missouri by providing the legal expertise needed to navigate complex whistleblower laws and ensure that your rights are protected.

Contact LG Law LLC today for a consultation and let us help you stand up for what’s right while protecting your career and your future.