PRACTICE AREA
Whistleblower Protection Lawyers in Los Angeles
Employees who report illegal activity, fraud, or safety violations deserve protection — not punishment. Our whistleblower attorneys represent workers who have been retaliated against for exposing wrongdoing, leveraging California’s strong whistleblower protection laws.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your whistleblower case with a trusted Los Angeles attorney who will fight to protect you.
What Are Whistleblower Protections in California?
California provides robust legal protections for employees who report illegal activity, fraud, safety violations, or other wrongdoing by their employers. These protections are codified in California Labor Code sections 1102.5 through 1105, which broadly prohibit employers from retaliating against workers who disclose information about suspected legal violations.
California Labor Code section 1102.5 — the state’s primary whistleblower statute — protects employees who report information they reasonably believe discloses a violation of a state or federal statute, regulation, or rule to a government or law enforcement agency, a supervisor, or any employee with authority to investigate. The statute also protects employees who refuse to participate in illegal activity.
Whistleblower protections cover a wide range of reporting, including fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, environmental violations, workplace safety hazards, healthcare fraud, securities violations, government waste, and violations of any state or federal law. Both public and private sector employees are protected.
At Novian & Novian, our whistleblower attorneys have extensive experience representing employees who have been retaliated against for doing the right thing. We understand the legal complexities and the personal courage required, and we fight to ensure whistleblowers are fully protected and compensated.
How Can a Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Help?
A whistleblower protection lawyer helps employees who have been retaliated against for reporting illegal activity pursue claims against their employers under California’s powerful whistleblower statutes. These cases require proving that the employee’s report was a contributing factor in the employer’s adverse action.
Our whistleblower attorneys at Novian & Novian analyze your situation, determine which whistleblower statutes apply, gather evidence linking your report to the retaliation, and pursue full compensation through negotiation or litigation. Under Labor Code 1102.5, the burden shifts to the employer to prove the adverse action would have occurred regardless of the whistleblowing — a significant advantage for employees.
If you have been retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing, contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation. Our Los Angeles whistleblower attorneys will protect your rights and fight for your compensation.
What Our Clients Say
“I reported financial fraud at my company and was fired within weeks. Novian & Novian filed a claim under Labor Code 1102.5 and the burden-shifting provision forced my employer to settle. They were brilliant advocates.”
— Former Client, Los Angeles
“After reporting safety violations on a construction site, I was demoted and harassed. Novian & Novian fought for me and secured a settlement that covered my losses and sent a message to my employer.”
— Former Client, San Fernando Valley
“Novian & Novian understood the personal risk I took as a whistleblower. They provided confidential, strategic representation and achieved a result that exceeded my expectations.”
— Former Client, Torrance
Why Should You Choose Novian & Novian for Your Whistleblower Case?
Novian & Novian has represented whistleblowers across California for over 35 years, handling cases involving fraud reporting, safety complaints, government waste, and other forms of protected disclosure.
We believe that employees who expose illegal conduct are essential to a just society. Our attorneys provide aggressive, confidential representation to ensure whistleblowers are protected and their employers are held accountable.
Deep Knowledge of Whistleblower Statutes
We are experts in Labor Code 1102.5, the False Claims Act, Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank, and other whistleblower protections. We identify every applicable statute to maximize your protections and recovery.
Burden-Shifting Expertise
Under California Labor Code 1102.5, once you show your whistleblowing was a contributing factor, the burden shifts to the employer. Our attorneys are skilled at leveraging this powerful advantage.
Confidential, Discreet Representation
We understand that whistleblowing can be career-defining. We provide confidential representation and strategic advice to protect your interests.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle whistleblower cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Proven Results for Whistleblowers
We have secured significant recoveries for whistleblowers across industries, including corporate fraud, healthcare, construction safety, and government waste cases.
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
What Does California Labor Code Section 1102.5 Protect?
Section 1102.5 protects employees who report information they reasonably believe discloses a violation of state or federal law to a government agency, law enforcement, or a person with authority to investigate. It also protects employees who refuse to participate in illegal activity and prohibits employers from retaliating in any way.
Do I Have to Report to a Government Agency to Be Protected?
No. Under California law, you are also protected if you report suspected violations to a supervisor or to any employee who has authority to investigate or correct the violation. Internal reporting is protected.
What Compensation Can a Whistleblower Recover?
Whistleblowers may recover reinstatement, back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and in some cases treble damages. The False Claims Act also provides a percentage of government recoveries.
Can I Be Fired for Whistleblowing in California?
No. Firing a whistleblower is illegal retaliation under California law. If you are terminated after reporting illegal activity, you have a strong claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy in addition to your whistleblower retaliation claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Whistleblower Claims?
Under Labor Code 1102.5, the statute of limitations for filing a civil action is generally three years. Some whistleblower statutes have shorter deadlines. Consult an attorney promptly.
What If My Employer Says I Was Fired for Performance Reasons?
Employers often claim the termination was performance-based. Under Labor Code 1102.5’s burden-shifting framework, once you show whistleblowing was a contributing factor, the employer must prove by clear and convincing evidence that it would have taken the same action anyway. Our attorneys are skilled at exposing pretextual explanations.
Retaliated Against for Reporting Wrongdoing? We Protect Whistleblowers.
Our Los Angeles whistleblower attorneys leverage California’s powerful protections to fight for employees who expose illegal conduct. Contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation today.
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