Can a whistleblowers sue if they are retaliated against?
Yes, in California, whistleblowers can sue if they are retaliated against. This is because California state law has protections in place to protect whistleblowers from any form of retaliation by an employer after they have reported an illegal activity. The Whistleblower Protection Act of 2019 states that whistleblowers may file a lawsuit if their employer takes any adverse action against them in response to their report of illegal activity. This includes any form of discrimination, harassment, or other action intended to harm the whistleblower’s career or reputation. In California, the employee may also be eligible to recover damages related to lost wages, emotional distress, and other costs incurred as a result of the retaliation. Employees who believe that they are victims of retaliation should speak with an experienced employment law attorney to discuss their legal options. An attorney can evaluate the case and advise on the best course of action, which may include filing a lawsuit in civil court. It is important for potential whistleblowers to remember that it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against them, no matter what industry or organization the employee works for. Therefore, it is important for them to understand their rights in the event of retaliation.
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