Whistleblower Protection Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
When an employee notices that their manager or employer is acting unlawfully or unethically, they may report this behavior to authorities or someone higher up in the company. These individuals are known as whistleblowers and are essential to keeping employers in check to protect themselves and their coworkers from the wrongdoings of their boss. Unfortunately, whistleblowers are often retaliated against for their actions. If you have acted as a whistleblower in Georgia and are now facing adverse employment actions, it is important that you take your legal options into consideration. Attorney Ben Barrett has practiced law for over 30 years and now focuses solely on employment matters. If you need a skilled attorney to help you stand up to an employer that has retaliated against you, contact Ben Barrett Law today to schedule a consultation.
Whistleblowers and Retaliation
A whistleblower informs employers and other governing bodies about unsafe working conditions, undocumented injuries, illegal financial acts, and many other unlawful activities that would normally go unpunished or swept under the rug. Throughout history, whistleblowers would face retaliation in the form of severe adverse employment actions, including the following:
- Wrongful termination
- Reduction of pay
- Demotion
- Disciplinary action
- Denial of overtime pay
- Blacklisting
What laws protect whistleblowers?
The Georgia Whistleblower Act, the Occupational Safety & Health Act, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act aim to protect whistleblowers on both the state and federal levels. Under Georgia’s law, whistleblowers are typically only protected in situations where they are reporting discrimination against disabled individuals, reporting discrimination based on gender, and reporting fraud against employers who are either the state or local government. This law leaves many individuals unprotected from sounding the alarm on employers who are acting unethically or unlawfully. This, unfortunately, results in many people staying silent out of fear of retaliation. It is essential that you speak with an experienced attorney that can help you understand your legal rights.
OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program
Whistleblowers play an essential part in maintaining integrity and justice in the workplace. They protect their fellow colleagues and keep greedy business owners in check. As mentioned above, federal laws are in place to ensure the protection of those compelled to step forward in the face of adversity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protects the rights of whistleblowers through the laws of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in order to make people feel safe to continue the practice.
Contact Ben Barrett Law
Have you been punished for reporting your employer or manager for acting illegally in the workplace? If so, you may have a whistleblower protection case. At Ben Barrett Law, we applaud you for doing the right thing and are here to help you pursue the justice you deserve. Do not sit idly by and let your employer continue to act unethically and unlawfully out of fear that you will be wrongfully terminated or retaliated against in another way. Our firm has the skill and experience it takes to effectively represent your interests. Contact Ben Barrett Law today to learn how we can assist you.
