You may have a legal claim if you think you were fired in retaliation for being a whistleblower. Whistleblowers are protected under state and federal law from retaliation by their employers.
What protections are afforded to whistleblowers, and what can you do if you believe you have been retaliated against?
Laws protecting whistleblowers
Federal laws, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, protect whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers. These laws also provide financial incentives for whistleblowers to come forward, such as rewards for information leading to successful enforcement action. In addition, employees can also refer to the Ohio Whistleblowers Protection Act.
Suppose you believe that you have been retaliated against for being a whistleblower. In that case, you will need to document any instances of retaliation that you have experienced, such as being passed over for a promotion or being reassigned to a less desirable position.
When you have your documentation in order, bring your concerns to your human resources department and give them a chance to address the issue. If the retaliation does not stop, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a similar organization.
You should also consider your legal options because you may be able to file a lawsuit if you can prove that you suffered an adverse employment action due to your whistleblowing activities. Taking these steps can help protect yourself from further retaliation and hold your employer accountable for their actions.