Other Whistleblower Claims
“To see a wrong and not to expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance.” – Dr. John Raymond Baker
What Dr. Baker may not have known is that every day, courageous whistleblowers speak out against and report federal and state law violations. These can include violations of laws designed to protect safety, prohibit against civil rights violations and discrimination, or safeguard taxpayer funds. Sadly, these whistleblowers are often ignored, or even harassed, retaliated against, or fired for doing so.
What many whistleblowers may not know is that there are many laws that protect individuals who report illegal or fraudulent conduct, and then are retaliated against by their employer or contractor. Many of these laws provide for reinstatement, back pay, attorneys fees, or compensation for special damages if a whistleblower is successful.
For example:
- An individual who reports violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including the failure to comply with breach notification requirements, may be protected by federal law.
- Employees who have been discharged or discriminated against for filing a complaint regarding a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) may be protected by the Act.
- The Michigan Whistleblowers Protection Act prohibits employers and certain others from retaliating against employees who have reported, or are about to report, certain violations of law to a public body.
These are just some examples of the many laws available to protect whistleblowers. Individuals with specific questions should contact us at (248) 539-7420..