How do I report and file a whistleblower complaint or claim?
If you believe you have been wronged in the workplace due to your whistleblowing activities in Washington state, you can file a complaint or claim to seek compensation for wrongful termination, constructive dismissal, or other damages. You can also file a complaint to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To file a whistleblower complaint, you must complete and submit a whistleblower claim form to the Office of the Attorney General or to the department or agency involved in the case. If you choose to send the form directly to the Office of the Attorney General, you must mail it to the address provided on the form. Upon receipt, your claim will be reviewed and may be assigned to a staff attorney. Once the form is submitted, your claim will be reviewed and may be assigned an investigator to investigate your allegations. They may speak with witnesses, employers, and other relevant parties. The investigator will then make a determination as to whether they believe that a law was violated. If the investigator finds that a law was violated, they may recommend that the state Attorney General sue the employer. If the Attorney General declines to sue, you may have the option of filing a civil lawsuit in the state court system. You should consult with an experienced attorney regarding this decision to make sure you are fully aware of all of your legal options.
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