Do Wrongful Termination Laws Protect Whistleblowers?

Intro 

There are some unsung heroes in this country who stand up for what is right even when it costs them something held dear. In workplaces across America, employees who see a wrong being committed by their employers speak up to stop the illegal activities. As a result, these courageous employees are often subjected to a hostile work environment NJ lawyers familiar with whistleblower cases can affirm. 

The Consequences of Speaking Up About Wrong or Illegal Workplace Activities 

All too often, these brave souls are labeled as whistleblowers by their superiors and other coworkers. Sometimes, they suffer bullying on the job, harassment at work and even outside of work. Some get passed over for a promotion that they deserve more than the one who was given it. 

Still, more will find themselves moved off important assignments and delegated to an obscure corner of the company perhaps with less pay. Many of these employees are fired usually for bogus reasons and then blackballed by other employers in the area claim a group of wrongful termination lawyers NJ based. 

What Is the Definition of a Whistleblower?

In its simplest terms, the definition of a whistleblower is someone, usually an employee, who informs or tells on a person or organization engaged in illegal activities. Some of the less friendly labels that whistleblowers get tagged with are tattletales, informants, double-crosser, snitch, rat, or traitor. 

NJ Laws Protect Good Faith Complaints of Illegal Workplace Activity 

New Jersey has laws to protect individuals who make good-faith complaints against their employers or coworkers regarding illegal activity in the workplace. These laws are designed to protect workers against retaliation for reporting these unlawful acts. This retaliation can go as far as illegal job termination claims a reputable Elizabeth wrongful termination lawyer who has successfully litigated these kinds of lawsuits for clients over the years. 

What Happens if an Employer Fires a Whistleblower Based on False Motives 

Elizabeth NJ attorneys caution that employers have fired a whistleblower employee based on false motives that usually have nothing to do with the alleged illegal actions that the employee brought to light. This too is illegal under NJ whistleblower protection laws, but it can be difficult to prove in court without an aggressive defense. 

Some of the bogus reasons that employers use for firing employees who speak out against some unlawful activity include poor work performance, failure to follow some work policy, missing work, or some vague cost-cutting measure that forces lower employee numbers. A well-trained attorney can use these reasons as a legal defense when the employee comes forward to file a lawsuit against their former employer. 

Common Unlawful Business Activities That Fall Under Whistleblower Laws 

Some of the more common examples of unlawful business activities that fall under whistleblower protection laws include: 

• Company Embezzlement or Fraud
• Tax Fraud or Evasion
• Fake Bank or Loan Documentation
• Failure to Pay Employees Overtime
• Hiding Undocumented Worker Information
• Medicaid/Medicare or other Health Insurance Scam or Billing Fraud
• Taking Illegal Kickbacks
• OSHA Work Safety Violations

Finding a Dedicated Law Firm that Handles Wrongful Termination NJ 

Contact Ashton E. Thomas via https://ashtonthomasesq.com.