Change does not come easy–especially in a work environment where discrimination and sexual harassment have been allowed to persist for years. But it only takes one brave person to make a difference. The term “whistleblower” refers to anyone who reports any unlawful and unethical business practices by an employer. Unfortunately, many whistleblowers have been threatened with a demotion or even termination. My name is Matthew A. Kaufman and I am a California whistleblower attorney. Since 1993, the legal team at The Kaufman Law Firm has been committed to protecting the rights of employees who file legitimate complaints against their employers.
Although whistleblowers are sometimes unfairly labeled as “snitches”, they play an important role in making positive change in many work environments. In addition to reporting employer misconduct such as sexual harassment and discrimination, they also have contributed to improving the health and safety conditions at many workplaces. Under California law, employers cannot fire a worker as retaliation for filing a complaint or reporting misconduct. Whistleblowers are protected against wrongful termination or demotion as a result of reporting any fraudulent, unethical, or unlawful conduct. Some of the most common cases involving whistleblowers include the following:
It only takes one employee to take a stand to improve a toxic working environment. Unfortunately, it should never have to come at the expense of your job. Once a prospective client visits our California law office for their initial consultation, my legal staff and I take the time to address all of your questions and concerns. Once someone becomes a client, our legal team immediately begins a plan of attack. It is part of our commitment to provide aggressive and comprehensive legal representation and to place each client in the best position to succeed.
Not all employment law cases are the same. As a legal professional with more than two decades of litigating experience, I understand many of the challenges and obstacles facing whistleblowers and their families. The loss of a job can be financially devastating. A wrongful demotion can also be a tremendous blow to your finances. Unfortunately, most people do not fight back due to fear of retaliation. However, choosing the right California whistleblower attorney is the first important step to recovering the compensation you deserve and punishing those who blatantly violate California’s labor laws.
Many people understand that whistleblowers are afforded extensive protections, but they may not realize that these protections extend to healthcare workers – including those who work in nursing homes. Most long-term care facilities provide exceptional care for their residents. Unfortunately, there are times when nursing homes and other long-term care facilities allow their residents to be neglected or abused.
According to data from the National Council on Aging, approximately one out of every ten people over the age of 60 will experience elder abuse each year in the US. When this abuse occurs in a nursing home, we hope that courageous nursing home employees will step forward to report the mistreatment. Thankfully, whistleblower laws in California will provide protection for those who come forward to report abuses.
Some of the most common reasons that a nursing home whistleblower would need to come forward under the False Claims Act would be to report:
Both federal and state laws prohibit retaliation against employers for complaining about or coming forward about safety or health conditions. Specifically, California Labor Code 6310 & 6311, as well as California Health and Safety Code Section 1278.5, offer specific protections for healthcare workers who come forward to report issues of quality of care, services, or conditions at an accredited medical facility.
If you work at a nursing home or other long-term care facility and are aware of cases of neglect or abuse, or any other violations of state or federal law, please speak to a qualified attorney at The Kaufman Law Firm today. Your tips on neglect or abuse could lead to a whistleblower protection award. In cases where a whistleblower case is successful, the whistleblower may be awarded a portion of the total government recovery (typically between 15% and 30%).
Do not let threats of termination or demotion deter you from doing the right thing. Our whistleblower protection attorneys will ensure you are treated fairly throughout this process.
If you or someone you know have been wrongfully terminated due to filing a complaint against your employer, it is time to take immediate action. The legal team at The Kaufman Law Firm is ready to fight for you. Protecting the rights of workers is our top priority. To learn more about how we can help, contact our California law office and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.