Many of our Florida readers are familiar with the many whistleblower news stories out of the state that have made their way public over the past year. What they are not familiar with are the finer details of whistleblower laws and rights.
If you are in a position to blow the whistle on your company for some type of corporate wrongdoing, it goes without saying that you want to learn more about your rights if you decide to step forward.
There are many questions concerning whistleblower rights, including the following:
— What is the definition of “protected whistleblower activity?”
— What types of laws, both federal and state, are in place to protect whistleblowers against acts of retaliation?
— Are there statutes of limitations associated with whistleblower cases?
— What steps must an employee take to prove that he or she is being retaliated against for blowing the whistle?
These are the types of questions that can help a person decide when, how and if they should speak out against wrongdoing. It is easy to say that this is the right thing to do, but actually taking the first step can be more of a challenge.
Knowing the finer details of whistleblower rights is a big deal. Even if you don’t think you will ever find yourself in this position, you never know what the future holds. There could come a time when you feel compelled to speak up, as it feels like the right thing to do. If this situation arises, many people decide to first consult with an experienced employment law attorney.
Source: National Whistleblowers Center, “Know Your Rights FAQ” accessed on Jan. 12, 2015
