Texas Whistleblower Claims Lawyer
If you’re considering reporting your employer’s illegal or unethical practices, you should speak to a whistleblower claims lawyer El Paso, TX residents trust. While reporting an employer’s wrongdoing is courageous, it can be difficult and stressful to do on your own. A lawyer can assist you with the process.
Here are some essential qualities to look for in your lawyer:
Extensive Experience
Whistleblower laws are very complex, and the average person isn’t familiar with them. That’s why it’s crucial to select a lawyer who has many years of experience representing whistleblowers like yourself. He or she will know if you have a viable case or not and help you gather the necessary evidence to pursue your claim.
Good Track Record of Success
Before you hire a whistleblower lawyer to handle your case, you should ask about their success rate with cases. After all, you want the best possible chance of getting a good result. A lawyer should show you proof of recovering whistleblower compensation in a wide range of cases.
Understanding
Coming forward about your employer’s unethical actions isn’t an easy task. You know it’s the right thing to do, but you may be worried about the possible ramifications to your career. That’s why it’s vital to hire a whistleblower claims lawyer in El Paso, TX, who understands your situation and is sympathetic. He or she should take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Available
When you’re reporting an employer’s wrongdoing, you want to work with a lawyer who is available to give your case the attention it deserves. If a lawyer is busy with many other cases, he or she may not be the right person to take your case. Choose a lawyer who is wholly dedicated to your case and frequently communicates with you.
Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Whistleblower Claims Lawyer
If you are discussing your whistleblower claim with a lawyer soon, be prepared to answer many questions. During your initial consultation, your lawyer may ask you what you’re blowing the whistle on and how long you think your employer has been participating in these illegal actions.
If you have any documents about your case, such as emails or financial records, you should bring them with you to the meeting. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the better he or she can help you.
Schedule a consultation with a whistleblower claims lawyer in El Paso, TX; contact Davie & Valdez, P.C. today.
Taking the Right Steps to Manage Your Case Properly
When an employee is considering blowing the whistle on their employer, our whistleblower claims lawyer El Paso, TX relies on will share that taking the proper steps will be essential. While it should be expected that when you report your concern to company leaders that they will take the proper steps, this is not always something that you can depend on. Know that it’s not uncommon for whistleblowers to face retaliation for reporting wrongdoing on the company’s part. Whether you have witnessed illegal or unethical behavior, it’s crucial to protect yourself with professionals from Davie & Valdez, P.C. Our team can assist clients in taking the proper steps moving forward:
Contact a Lawyer
One of the first steps to take may be to contact a lawyer with experience in representing whistleblower cases. With their assistance, they can help walk you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected. Having a professional who understands these cases will be critical to managing the intricacies that lie ahead. It’s not uncommon for an employee to be unsure whether they require a lawyer’s assistance. Take the first step towards determining how best to move forward by scheduling a commitment-free consultation to determine whether their services are necessary.
Report the Wrongdoing
It’s likely in your best interest to come forward to report the issue. Many companies have whistleblower policies in place, and reporting the problem can provide them an opportunity to make changes. However, depending upon the grievance, it may be better to strategize how you will disclose this information. This is a reason to consider the counsel of our El Paso, Texas whistleblower claims lawyer first.
Prepare for Adverse Action
If you have filed a complaint against your employer, know that you may experience retaliation as a result. While whistleblowing is a protected employee activity, it should come as no surprise that employees may face mistreatment, demotion, or even job loss as a result. Retaliation is illegal, and you may be able to retain damages for your losses. Know that you don’t have to go through this process alone, and our team can help.
Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
Gathering evidence is a critical component for several reasons. If you are blowing the whistle on your employer, you will need to have proof of wrongdoing. Additionally, if you face retaliation due to whistleblowing, it’s essential to have evidence that proves this claim. Keep as much information as possible, for example:
- Photographs/Videos
- Your Account
- Email Exchanges
What Is Retaliation?
Whistleblower protections exist to keep you safe if you need to report something illegal that your employer is doing or participating in. You are helping to stop criminal activity, so you get protection from the law against any type of retaliation.
Understanding retaliation is important when you become involved in such a situation. Your whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico can assist you with understanding the concept more.
Your Rights
You have the right to make a complaint and not face questioning or actions from your employer. You have the right to remain anonymous and not expect anyone to find out your name unless you wish to expose yourself. This is part of the basic protection.
The law also says your employer cannot take negative or harmful actions against you for exercising your rights. If your employer does react, this is known as retaliation.
Retaliation Explained
Retaliation can occur directly from your employer or from other supervisors or managers. It requires an adverse action against you.
Adverse actions can be anything negative. They include even subtle actions, such as changing your working hours in an attempt to get you to quit, or increasing employee reviews so they can fill your file with negative remarks and have grounds to fire you. Even something such as not telling you about an important meeting is an adverse action.
The issue with retaliation is that it causes employees to not want to speak out about the activities of their employers. It is a form of intimidation.
Protections
Everyone has protection against retaliation for exercising whistleblower rights. It doesn’t matter if you are a temporary worker or even a contract worker.
Reaction
If you notice your employer is acting differently or starting to treat you differently, you should contact a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico. You should start detailing the changes so you have evidence.
Even if you are unsure of what is happening, you need to pay attention to any changes that occur. You may not realize right away that what your employer is doing is retaliation against you. You might not realize it until later when you lose your job because so many adverse actions are not direct or obvious.
You will need to report your employer. To properly investigate your claim of retaliation, you will need to provide evidence, so make sure you keep notes and any evidence you can show to an investigator.
Wrapping Up
Retaliation is a serious issue. Employers can face stiff penalties for punishing you for exercising your rights. You should stand up for yourself with the help of a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico.
Whistleblowing and subsequent retaliation can be difficult to contend with, and in some cases, you may be up against large entities. While coming forward can be difficult, our team at Davie & Valdez, P.C. has the proper experience to provide you with the legal protections and representation you deserve. You shouldn’t be left to manage the process on your own. We will work closely with you to ensure that you have the necessary guidance every step of the way. To learn more about our services, schedule an appointment with our El Paso, TX whistleblower claims lawyer as soon as possible.
Prevalent Myths About Whistleblower Lawsuits
Many people have a negative impression of those who file whistleblower lawsuits. They maintain beliefs that cast individuals fighting for justice in an unfairly poor light. Understanding the reality behind such legal battles increases comfort levels with visiting a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico. Here are a few untruths that deserve debunking.
Whistleblowers Must Possess First-Hand Experience
Major motion pictures leave the impression that every whistleblower case comes from someone who directly witnessed an ethical breach. Subsequently, they feel lawsuits started by those who learned of the violations from secondhand sources are illegitimate. In truth, they tend to be less biased and less emotional, and their claims may have more credibility than those derived from personal involvement. The attorneys who work at Davie & Valdez, PC, involve themselves with all types of witnesses and claims.
Whistleblowers Must Identify Themselves
Some who uncover malfeasance may be hesitant to file a lawsuit because they fear retaliation from the general public. Not wanting to be the center of negative publicity, they let the matter slide in favor of self-preservation. In reality, whistleblowers do not always have an obligation to reveal themselves. Those concerned about preserving anonymity should consult with a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico about this possibility.
Whistleblowers Must Sacrifice Their Careers
It’s possible that suing one’s employer could be professionally damaging. However, this isn’t a foregone conclusion. Protective measures are possible, and laws are on the books to minimize the risk of coming forward and experiencing an unwarranted firing. There’s the possibility that outside observers will be on the whistleblower’s side, which gives additional protection; there could even be a surprising outpouring of vibrant support.
Whistleblowers Must Be Greedy
With all the negativity associated with whistleblowers, outside observers often assume litigants have unsavory motivations. Lawsuits exposing massive waste and fraud can, indeed, result in gigantic payouts. Money is provided as an incentive because the potential downsides are real. Other times, there is little reward. Generally speaking, those who bring forth whistleblower lawsuits are primarily interested in ending offenses and seeing justice prevail. The attorneys at Davie & Valdez, PC, know that whistleblower cases are not about getting rich. There are principles at play that motivate litigants to take an enormous personal risk in favor of the greater good.
Every lawsuit is different, but whistleblower cases with substance are always noble endeavors. People must learn what separates the average tussle in civil court with lawsuits that bring to light evidence of egregious violations.