Labor & Employment

RETALIATION AND WHISTLEBLOWER ACTIONS

Whistleblowers are people who refuse to participate in criminal wrongdoing, send correspondence to the employer notifying them of intent to notify authorities of the criminal conduct, or cooperate with authorities who are conducting an investigation into criminal wrongdoing on the part of an employer. Because whistleblowers play an important role in protecting Louisiana residents from the illegal activity of their employers, laws have been enacted to protect employees from retaliation.

Employers often believe the unequal balance of power in an employee/employer relationship gives them the power to behave in a retaliatory manner. Under Louisiana's whistleblower law, if an employer takes adverse action against an employee for reporting illegal practices, he/she may be entitled to monetary damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, 401K contributions and medical expenses if the employer cancels medical coverage. If retaliation is taken against an employee who reports an environmental violation within thirty days of the violation, he or she may be eligible for treble damages.

An employer may also retaliate by impeding the employee’s ability to find another job. Laura Davenport will take measures to ensure an employee’s future job prospects are not hampered by misstatements and retaliatory reporting practices.

If you have been treated unfairly, whether fired, harassed, denied a promotion after exposing illegal activity, contact Laura Davenport about your whistleblower claim.