Whistleblowers today benefit from increased federal and state protections as well as an overall improved mindset concerning whistleblowing. While some uninformed individuals still see whistleblowers as opportunistic, more often society recognizes the importance of whistleblowers and encourages them to come forward. As whistleblowing has become more revered, the reward offered to whistleblowers has increased. The False Claims Act awards whistleblowers with up to 30 percent of all proceeds recovered for the government, which can equate to tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even multiple millions for the whistleblower. Despite these strong legal incentives and protections, it is important that whistleblowers have a realistic understanding of the path their case may take. The following is a list of some advice for would be whistleblowers:
- You are not guaranteed a large payday: While some whistleblower cases have resulted in seven or even eight figure recoveries, these cases are the exception and not the rule. The federal government does not intervene in every whistleblower case and there is no guarantee that you will receive a large recovery. Your whistleblower attorney can assess the strength of your potential action to provide you with a better prediction as to your odds of success.
- Your career could be affected: Being a whistleblower is not easy. While whistleblower laws have come a long way and offer extensive protection against retaliation, employees who blow the whistle still often experience retaliatory action in the form of estrangement or even blacklisting. Ask yourself whether you have the strength to put your career on the line to bring to light information you feel is important.
- Be in it for the long haul: The whistleblower process can take a long time, in many cases, several years or longer. Throughout this ordeal, the government may leave you in the dark as to where it is in investigations and acceptance of the matter. If your case makes it to court, the process will continue to move slowly given the procedural requirements of any complex litigation. Be prepared for your whistleblower case to go on for quite some time and occupy a major part of your life.
- You will need a lawyer: You will without a doubt need a lawyer. Whistleblower laws are complex and wrought with confusing requirements and restrictions. If you do not submit all of the required information or submit it incorrectly, you could be disqualified from acting as a whistleblower entirely. Consult with a whistleblower attorney early on to start the process off the right way. Your attorney will represent your interests throughout the entire process
None of these points are intended to discourage a would-be whistleblower. Rather, you should enter the whistleblower process with a realistic idea in mind of what will occur and how you can best protect yourself and your interests.
Barrett Law PLLC: Experienced Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys
We need brave individuals to step forward as whistleblowers and report misconduct or fraud on the part of employers. If you have experienced retaliatory actions as a result of your whistleblowing activity or need assistance with a qui tam action, contact the Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC. Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted brave whistleblowers for over 75 years. Whistleblower cases are complex and will require the help of experienced counsel in order to successfully bring your action. At Barrett Law PLLC, we will provide you with the information you need to walk through the whistleblower claim process and the legal assistance you will need as the case moves forward. Call us today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.