Choosing to become a whistleblower is not an easy decision to make. Even in the best-case scenario, potential whistleblowers have thought long and hard about whether to speak out. Some of the things to consider if you’re in this position include:
- The possibility that you may not remain anonymous
- The possibility that your employers may try to retaliate
- The possibility that you will lose your privacy
Retaliation on the part of an employer is one of the most disheartening byproducts of blowing the whistle. Although retaliation is 100% illegal, many angry employers still attempt to seek revenge against whistleblowers. Wrongful termination, in particular, is a common occurrence after an employee speaks out.
We know how frightening this possibility is to Michigan residents. Most of us need our jobs and careers to support our families. Although difficult in some cases, it is possible to prove that your employer terminated you in an illegal manner.
The first step in exercising your federal protections against retaliation is staying in contact with your whistleblower attorney. If your employer fires you and you are certain it is an attempt at retaliation, contact your attorney right away. Together, you can look at the details of your termination and perhaps find evidence that it was a wrongful act. This will enable you to pursue a retaliation claim.
Of course, your employer will claim that he or she fired you for a good reason, which can make it difficult to prove retaliation. However, an experienced attorney can spot signs that your termination was actually retaliation. For example, if your superior fired you very shortly after you blew the whistle, that’s is a good indication of wrongful termination.
We invite you to read more about whistleblowers, retaliation and your rights on our website. Our published information can help you make the right decisions if you choose to go forward as a whistleblower.