In many scenarios, whistleblowers have watched from the sidelines as their superiors engaged in unethical and/or illegal activities. Deciding to blow the whistle on such wrongdoing probably did not come easily. Most of these people thought long and hard about the implications of speaking out before making such a decision. Some whistleblowers even go so far as to consult an attorney about the potential disadvantages, or cons, of taking such action.
Like many Detroit residents, you may already understand the rewards of becoming a whistleblower. For example:
- Whistleblowers are eligible for legal protections against retaliation attempts.
- Most people who speak out feel good about their actions.
- Speaking out about wrongdoing empowers other individuals to become whistleblowers.
- Some whistleblowers receive financial compensation for their efforts to do the right thing.
As far as the downsides to blowing the whistle, there are several for you to consider before making a decision. It is also advisable to speak with a lawyer about your situation. This gives you access to sound advice tailored to your specific situation, and it also provides you with an advocate to stand by you from start to finish. The following list outlines several disadvantages associated with blowing the whistle.
- You may suffer workplace mistreatment in the aftermath
- You may carry the whistleblower label for some time
- You may lose some of the friends or relationships you worked hard to cultivate
- The whistleblower legal process can take a long time
In the end, only you can make the choice to blow the whistle on illegal activity. However, you do not have to shoulder your burden alone. Your lawyer will protect your rights throughout the process and work to make sure you receive fair treatment in your workplace.