As experienced Providence whistleblower protection lawyer, we help employees who have faced retaliation for reporting illegal, unethical or unsafe conduct by their employers. Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard Law Firm, established in 2022, exists to protect you and hold employers accountable for their actions.
There are laws that provide important safeguards for workers like you who speak up about wrongdoing, but navigating the legal process can be complex without a Providence labor and employment lawyer. Our team is large and has years of robust experience in handling successful whistleblower protection cases.
Learn the key protections under the law, how to prove a case of whistleblower retaliation, the remedies available, and the statute of limitations for filing a claim. If you prefer discrete and tailored legal advice, our firm provides a risk-free consultation when you’re ready.
Signs of Employer Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
As a whistleblower, you play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing and protecting the public interest. However, speaking up can come with risks, as employers may retaliate against you for your actions. If you have experienced retaliation for engaging in protected whistleblower activities, it is important to seek the guidance of a Providence workplace retaliation lawyer.
Retaliation for being a whistleblower can take various forms, including:
- Wrongful termination, demotion, or suspension: Employers may take adverse employment actions against whistleblowers, such as firing them, demoting them, or suspending them from work.
- Reduction in pay, benefits, or work hours: Whistleblowers may experience retaliation in the form of reduced pay, benefits, or work hours as a means of punishment.
- Threats, intimidation, and other forms of harassment: Employers may resort to threats, intimidation, or other forms of harassment to discourage whistleblowers from speaking out or to create a hostile work environment.
For a free legal consultation with a whistleblower protection lawyer serving Providence, call (860) 999-9394
Types of Protected Whistleblower Activities
Rhode Island’s whistleblower protection laws are in place to safeguard individuals who report certain types of misconduct. Some common examples of protected whistleblower activity include:
- Reporting workplace safety violations: If you witness unsafe working conditions or violations of health and safety regulations, you have the right to report these concerns to Human Resources or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) without fear of retaliation.
- Disclosing environmental compliance issues: Whistleblowers who expose violations of environmental laws and regulations, such as illegal waste disposal or pollution, are protected under whistleblower laws.
- Refusing to participate in illegal business practices: If your employer asks you to engage in activities that are illegal or unethical, you have the right to refuse without facing retaliation.
Knowing your rights as a whistleblower is only half of the battle. Rhode Island’s laws can appear unbalanced in some instances. To attain the biggest advantage and even the playing field, the assistance of a whistleblower protection attorney in Providence, RI, may be necessary. DGP can review your case for free and assess the strength of your case before pursuing legal action.
Providence Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Proving Whistleblower Retaliation in Court
To successfully pursue a whistleblower retaliation claim, our whistleblower protection attorneys are responsible for establishing certain elements in court. These elements include:
- Establishing a causal link between your report and the adverse employment action taken by your employer. This requires demonstrating that your employer’s actions were a direct response to your protected activity.
- Overcoming the employer’s alleged “legitimate” reasons for the adverse action. Employers may try to justify their actions by citing performance issues or other non-retaliatory reasons. It is crucial to show that these reasons are pretextual and that the real motivation was your protected activity.
- Demonstrating that their adverse actions were motivated by your status as a whistleblower. This requires presenting evidence that your employer had knowledge of your protected activity and that it played a significant role in the retaliatory employment action.
Click to contact our Providence Labor & Employment Lawyers today
Remedies Available to Rhode Island Whistleblowers
If you have been subjected to retaliation for engaging in protected whistleblower activities, legally, you may be entitled to various remedies, including:
- Reinstatement to your previous position or an equivalent position within the company.
- Compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress resulting from the retaliation.
- Recovery of attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses incurred in pursuing your whistleblower retaliation claim.
It is beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable whistleblower protection lawyer in Providence, RI, to understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact a Providence Whistleblower Protection Lawyer at DGP Law Firm
If you have experienced retaliation for blowing the whistle on misconduct, the experienced Providence whistleblower protection attorneys at DGP Law Firm in Rhode Island are here to help. We have a deep understanding of state whistleblower protection laws and a proven track record of successfully representing whistleblowers in Providence and throughout Rhode Island.
Instead of facing the legal process and the backlash alone, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Learn how we can protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form