The majority of companies are ethical and decent, but a whistleblower claims lawyer New Mexico clients recommend knows that there are also companies who engage in unethical or even illegal activities on a regular basis. In many cases, the only way these companies get caught is because an employee who is privy to the misconduct comes forward and reports it to the proper authorities. In the past, reporting the activity often led to serious ramifications for the worker, but today, with both federal and state whistleblower law protections, that is no longer the case. However, that doesn’t mean employers still do not try. If you have information about your employer and are unsure what your next step should be, contact Davie & Valdez P.C.
What Exactly Is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who witnesses or uncovers unethical or illegal activity by their employer and makes the decision to report that wrongdoing to the proper authorities in order to protect the public. Some of the types of things a whistleblower may report include:
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Endangering the public
- Criminal activity
- Abuse of power
Risks of Coming Forward
Although there are laws that are supposed to protect whistleblowers, a New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer knows that a corrupt employer does not always follow the laws. If they did, they would not be committing illegal activity, to begin with. Some of the acts an employer may try against a whistleblower employee are:
- Retaliation against the worker – This can be poor treatment, harassment, demotion, or even firing.
- Blacklisting – If the whistleblower leaves the company they reported, they may find themselves blacklisted from being able to work in the same industry because the employer has slandered them to other companies.
Although there may be risks, coming forward can also come with benefits. In successful cases, it may be possible for a whistleblower to obtain a reward for coming forward. For example, in cases of government fraud, many whistleblowers receive a percentage of the amount of money illegally gained by the employer.
Having Legal Representation
Although you don’t legally require a lawyer to represent you, many employees find having a New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer advocating for them and protecting them from employer retaliation to be beneficial. The whistleblower process can be a very complex one and trying to navigate it yourself can be overwhelming at times.
You want to speak to a lawyer before confronting your employer or reporting the prohibited activity to ensure that you are fully protected. Having a lawyer right from the beginning also sends a message to your employer that any illegal retaliation from them will be met with aggressive representation from your lawyer.
However, you don’t just want any type of lawyer. You want one that deals specifically with these types of situations. Call Davie & Valdez P.C. to speak with a dedicated New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer and find out how we can help.
If your employer has retaliated against you for reporting fraud, public health concerns or other wrongdoing, it may be time to speak to a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico. What your employer has done is unjust and you don’t deserve to be treated this way. Here are some benefits of working with a lawyer:
- Assist with gathering evidence. If you wish to file a whistleblower claim, you must have sufficient evidence. However, if this is your first time filing this type of claim, you might not know what type of evidence you need and how to organize it. That is where a lawyer comes in. He or she can help you gather the evidence you need, such as recorded phone conversations, emails and statements from witnesses, and present it in a persuasive way in court.
- Determine your eligibility for a whistleblower award. Not everyone who blows the whistle on a company’s illegal actions is entitled to a reward. There are multiple factors that determine whether you are eligible for monetary compensation or not. That is another reason to consult a skilled lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can look into the specifics of your case and determine if you have a good shot at obtaining compensation.
- Provide legal protection. If you want to report your employer’s wrongful actions, but are worried about retaliation, a whistleblower claims a lawyer in New Mexico can help. He or she can file a claim on your behalf while you remain anonymous.
How to Choose the Right Whistleblower Claims Lawyer
Choosing the right whistleblower claims lawyer can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips for selecting the appropriate lawyer for your case:
- Specific experience. Since whistleblower law is complex, you want to hire a lawyer who has handled many whistleblower claims in the past. A lawyer with experience will know how to properly present your case in court and protect your legal rights.
- Good track record of winning whistleblower claims. During your first consultation with a lawyer, ask him or her to provide a list of whistleblower cases and results. You definitely want to work with a lawyer with a successful track record.
If you want to file a whistleblower claim, you may want to schedule a consultation with a whistleblower claims lawyer in New Mexico from Davie & Valdez P.C. as soon as possible.
Types Of Whistleblower Claims We Handle
When someone risks their career to report misconduct, we believe their courage deserves protection. Whistleblower cases involve employees who come forward with information about illegal or unethical actions within a company or government agency. These cases often expose wrongdoing that affects not only the workplace but the public as well. Our New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer handles a wide range of whistleblower matters, helping clients pursue justice and defend their rights when retaliation occurs.
Reporting Fraud Against The Government
One of the most common types of whistleblower claims involves fraud against the government. This can include false billing, overcharging, or delivering defective products or services to federal or state agencies. Under the False Claims Act, individuals can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government and may be entitled to a portion of the recovered funds. We’ve worked with employees who uncover these violations and help them understand how to move forward safely and effectively.
Corporate Misconduct And Financial Fraud
Whistleblowers often expose corporate actions that mislead investors, falsify financial statements, or hide important information from shareholders. These cases can have serious consequences for both the company and the economy. Our role is to stand beside employees who bring these actions to light, protecting them from retaliation and guiding them through each stage of the legal process.
Workplace Safety And Health Violations
When employers cut corners on safety or fail to comply with OSHA regulations, workers can be placed in dangerous situations. Employees who report unsafe practices or workplace hazards are protected under federal and state whistleblower laws. We help clients who have experienced retaliation for prioritizing safety, whether through demotions, harassment, or termination.
Healthcare And Pharmaceutical Violations
Whistleblower cases in healthcare often involve overbilling Medicare or Medicaid, falsifying patient records, or promoting off-label drug use. These types of claims require strong documentation and careful handling to prevent retaliation and maintain confidentiality. Our New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer provides the structure and legal strategy necessary for whistleblowers to pursue these claims while protecting their livelihoods.
Environmental And Public Safety Reporting
Employees in energy, construction, or environmental sectors sometimes uncover actions that harm the environment or violate safety standards. Reporting these violations is not only a civic duty but a protected act under various state and federal laws. Our New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer helps clients build strong cases that hold companies accountable and contribute to a safer community.
Defending Against Retaliation
Retaliation can take many forms, such as sudden termination, demotion, pay cuts, or workplace harassment. These actions are illegal when tied to a legitimate whistleblower report. Our board-certified team works to restore our clients’ professional reputations, recover lost wages, and hold employers accountable for their behavior.
Our Commitment To Those Who Speak Up
At Davie & Valdez P.C., we believe that doing the right thing should never cost someone their career. With over thirty-five years of experience, we help individuals who have reported wrongdoing, faced retaliation, or are considering coming forward understand their rights and options. If you believe you have a whistleblower claim, contact us today. We’re here to help you protect your future while pursuing accountability and justice.
8 Common Causes Of Whistleblower Claims
Whistleblower claims arise when employees expose unlawful or unethical conduct happening within an organization. Whether it involves financial misconduct, workplace safety issues, or retaliation after reporting wrongdoing, these claims help uphold integrity and transparency. In many industries, whistleblowers play a vital role in protecting the public, coworkers, and the company’s reputation. Below, our New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer outlines some of the most common reasons these claims occur and what typically drives employees to come forward.
Retaliation After Reporting Misconduct
One of the most frequent triggers for whistleblower claims comes when employees face backlash after raising concerns about wrongdoing. Retaliation can appear in many forms, job termination, demotion, reduced pay, or exclusion from projects. When workers are punished for reporting misconduct internally or externally, they often turn to legal protection under whistleblower laws.
Financial Fraud And False Reporting
Whistleblower claims often arise from corporate financial deception. Employees may witness manipulated financial records, falsified tax returns, or deceptive investor reports. These actions not only harm the integrity of the organization but can also mislead shareholders and regulators. When someone exposes these unethical or illegal practices, whistleblower protections can apply.
Safety Violations In The Workplace
Unsafe work environments are another major cause of whistleblower complaints. Workers in manufacturing, healthcare, and construction frequently report conditions that violate safety standards or federal regulations. When employers cut corners to save money or fail to address known hazards, employees who speak up may be protected under whistleblower statutes.
Government Contract Misuse
Whistleblower actions are also common in industries that rely on government funding. This can involve overbilling, delivering substandard products, or falsifying performance reports. Such actions not only waste taxpayer money but also violate the False Claims Act. Employees who disclose these issues often help uncover large-scale fraud and protect public interests.
Environmental Law Violations
Environmental wrongdoing, such as improper waste disposal, unreported spills, or illegal emissions, can lead to whistleblower reports. Workers in the energy, manufacturing, and agriculture industries may encounter violations that threaten community health or natural resources. According to our board-certified New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer, reporting these issues is often a matter of both legal and moral responsibility.
Healthcare And Pharmaceutical Misconduct
The healthcare industry is a frequent setting for whistleblower claims. Common issues include Medicare or Medicaid fraud, falsified billing, or improper marketing of prescription drugs. Employees who report these violations help maintain accountability and protect patients from harm caused by unethical practices.
Discrimination And Harassment Reports
In some cases, whistleblower actions stem from complaints of workplace discrimination or harassment. Employees who report bias based on gender, race, religion, or other protected categories may experience retaliation or hostility. These workers may file claims if their employer acts unlawfully in response to their report.
Misuse Of Company Data Or Technology
Data misuse is a growing source of whistleblower complaints in the digital era. Employees may report violations such as unauthorized sharing of customer data, cybersecurity breaches, or misuse of personal information. These claims protect both individuals and organizations from legal and reputational damage.
Taking The Right Steps Forward
Whistleblower protections exist to encourage honesty, fairness, and accountability across all industries. Whether the issue involves safety hazards, financial fraud, or discrimination, employees who speak out perform a vital public service. With over thirty-five years of experience, our team at Davie & Valdez P.C. understands how important it is to protect those who stand up for what’s right. If you believe you’ve witnessed wrongdoing at work, our New Mexico whistleblower claims lawyer can discuss your rights and the next steps available to you.