How long do I have to file a whistleblower claim?

In California, you have six months from the date of the unlawful activity to file a whistleblower claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). If you do not file within this time frame, you may lose your right to file the claim. You may, however, be able to gain an extension of the deadline if you can show that there were special circumstances that prevented you from filing within the six-month time frame. For example, if you were too ill or injured to file a claim on time, your doctor might need to provide a written statement. It is important to note that some whistleblower claims may be exempt from the six-month deadline. For example, some claims that involve public safety violations are exempt from the time limit. If you have questions about the applicability of the six-month time limit to your claim, you should consult legal counsel. Additionally, California has a separate law, known as the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which addresses certain Employment-Related Violations. With a PAGA claim, you have one year from the date of the violation to file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner. It is important to file a claim in a timely manner as the statute of limitations for filing a whistleblower claim or PAGA complaint can be complex. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you understand your rights and legal obligations.

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