What damages can a whistleblower recover?
In Pennsylvania, a whistleblower may be able to receive compensation for damages they have suffered due to retaliatory action connected to whistleblowing. This includes damages for emotional distress, job reinstatement, lost wages, attorney’s fees and court costs, and other consequential damages. The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law provides protection from employer retaliation for employees who report violations of a law or regulation, fraud, mismanagement, or other waste of government funds. It also requires employers to inform their employees of the rights and remedies available to whistleblowers. If an employee has suffered discrimination as a result of their whistleblowing, they may be eligible to receive damages for punitive damages, compensatory damages, lost wages, and attorney’s fees. Punitive damages are intended to punish the employer for their improper behavior and compensate the employee for the emotional distress they suffered. Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse the employee for any actual economic losses they suffered due to the retaliatory action. An employee may also be eligible to receive lost wages, if they were terminated or suffered a decrease in salary due to their whistleblowing. In addition, the employee may be able to obtain reimbursement for any attorney’s fees or court costs that were necessary to file a civil lawsuit. Overall, the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law provides a range of damages that a whistleblower may be able to recover if they have been retaliated against for their protected disclosure. Employees should be aware of their rights and should consult an attorney if they believe they have experienced retaliation for whistleblowing.
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