Whistleblowing results in the recovery of billions of U.S. dollars every year. It is considered one of the greatest weapons against corporate fraud, and the brave whistleblowers who reveal illegal practices occurring to the detriment of the government are rewarded for their efforts. Whistleblowers receive up to 30 percent of the funds recovered by the government, which can equate to millions of dollars when large scale fraud is unveiled.
If you are an employee considering blowing the whistle on your employer, the following list of things you should know before whistleblowing is for you:
- Whistleblowing is extremely effective in controlling corporate crime: In interviewing a number of CEOs, CFOs, and CCOs from global corporations, Price Waterhouse found that whistleblowers are the most effective source of information for uncovering corporate crime.
- Do not delay: Even if you have the best case, if you do not file on time it could be worth nothing. Do not delay—seek legal assistance early on and ensure your action is timely filed.
- Be prepared for the blowback: Whistleblowing is serious and can impact your career and family. You need to take steps to protect yourself and your job, which first involves securing the representation of an attorney you can trust.
- Embrace your whistleblower status: Whistleblowers will often state that they are not whistleblowers; they are just doing their job. While this may initially be true, it is important that whistleblowers accept their status change. By embracing being a whistleblower, you will be better equipped to take action to protect your career.
- Don’t accept hush money: Corporations have been known to essentially pay whistleblowers off so that they will not pursue action. You will earn more and bring about justice by pursuing your whistleblower action.
- Be wary of hotlines: Large corporations often set up hotlines for employees to report wrongdoing. Sometimes the hotlines are effective, other times they simply alert the company to take action against the complaining employee.
- Do not take legal advice from the corporate compliance officer: The corporate compliance officer and hotline investigators work for the company, not the employees. They are not obligated to inform employees of their legal rights and do not have the employees’ best interests at heart.
- Watch out for corporate confidentiality: The details of the complaint will often make it easy for the corporate officials to figure out the identity of the whistleblower. This puts you at risk for retaliation early on. This makes it important for you to seek legal protection from the start.
- Do not break the law: Make sure you do not break the law in gathering information concerning the corporate wrongdoing, or you could face legal action as well.
- Select the right attorney: You could receive a large reward if your whistleblower action is successful, but your career is very much on the line. Chose an experienced attorney who will successfully bring your case so that you receive the reward to which you are entitled.
Barrett Law PLLC: Representing Whistleblowers in Qui Tam Cases and Related Matters
Whistleblowers serve a vital function in society, curbing corporate fraud and protecting taxpayer funds. Whistleblowing is a worthy action, but one that can be complex and can result in backlash to the whistleblower if they are not properly protected. The Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC offer superior legal services to any potential whistleblower. We understand the array of complex issues involved in whistleblowing and will successfully bring your action while ensuring you do not become a victim of retaliation. Call the experienced whistleblower attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.