Protecting Employees Who Speak Out Against Wrongdoing
Employees should never have to choose between their job and doing the right thing. When workers report illegal, unsafe, or unethical practices, they are protected by strong whistleblower and retaliation laws. Unfortunately, many employers punish whistleblowers through termination, demotion, harassment, or blacklisting.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent whistleblowers across New York who have faced retaliation for speaking out. Our attorneys fight to protect employee rights and hold employers accountable under both state and federal law.
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Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.?
- Employment Law Experience – Skilled in handling retaliation and whistleblower claims.
- Aggressive Advocacy – We fight employers who punish workers for lawful reporting.
- Confidential Representation – Protecting whistleblowers from further harm.
- No Fee Unless We Win – Many cases handled on a contingency basis.
What Is Whistleblower Retaliation?
Whistleblower retaliation occurs when an employer punishes a worker for reporting misconduct, either internally or to authorities.
| Protected Activity | Examples | Legal Protections |
| Reporting Illegal Activity | Fraud, discrimination, wage theft | NY Labor Law §740, Federal protections |
| Workplace Safety Complaints | OSHA violations, unsafe conditions | OSHA Whistleblower Protection |
| Healthcare & Patient Safety | Reporting medical malpractice or unsafe care | NY Health Care Whistleblower Law |
| Government Contractor Cases | Reporting fraud against government contracts | False Claims Act (Qui Tam) |
| Retaliation After Reporting | Firing, demotion, harassment, blacklisting | Federal & State Retaliation Laws |
Examples of Retaliation
- Fired or demoted after reporting discrimination or harassment
- Harassed or isolated after raising safety concerns
- Pay cut or reassignment after filing a wage complaint
- Blacklisted in the industry for whistleblowing
- Denied promotions or benefits for speaking up
Compensation for Whistleblower Retaliation Victims
If you were retaliated against, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to your position
- Back pay and lost wages
- Future lost earnings (front pay)
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
What To Do If You Suspect Retaliation
- Document all incidents of retaliation (emails, memos, witness accounts).
- Save performance reviews and prior positive work history.
- File an internal complaint if safe to do so.
- Avoid signing severance or settlement agreements without legal review.
- Contact The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to prove my employer broke the law to file a retaliation claim?
No. You only need to show you had a good faith belief in reporting unlawful or unsafe conduct.
Can I be protected if I reported misconduct internally, not to a government agency?
Yes. Both state and federal laws protect internal whistleblowing in many cases.
How long do I have to file a whistleblower retaliation claim in New York?
Generally 1 year under NY Labor Law §740, though other claims (discrimination, wage retaliation, OSHA) may have different deadlines.
Can undocumented workers file retaliation claims?
Yes. All employees, regardless of immigration status, are protected from retaliation.
Serving the Greater New York Area
We represent whistleblowers in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York. Whether you reported fraud, workplace safety issues, or discrimination, we will fight to protect your rights.