St. Louis Whistleblower Protection Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Whistleblowers in Missouri

Deciding to blow the whistle on wrongdoing is no small feat. Whether you’re exposing fraud, corruption, or unsafe working conditions, we know it takes tremendous courage to put your professional reputation on the line to report an unethical employer. That’s why our firm is committed to safeguarding your rights throughout this journey. 

If you’re preparing to blow the whistle in St. Louis, put decades of experience in your corner by partnering with Sedey Harper Westhoff. Our whistleblower protection lawyers can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case. With decades of experience and over $10 million recovered for Missouri workers, you can trust our award-winning attorneys to pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf. 

If you’re considering blowing the whistle in St. Louis, our nationally recognized lawyers can aggressively pursue justice. Contact us online to discuss your case. 

What Is a Whistleblower? 

Whistleblowing refers to the right of employees to report illegal violations without fear of retaliation and other adverse actions taken by their employers. A “whistleblower” is an individual who reports misconduct, illegal activities, or violations occurring within their organization to authorities or regulatory bodies.

Types of Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing encompasses a variety of acts that address specific aspects of organizational misconduct. Understanding the different types of whistleblowing can help workers recognize when blowing the whistle on an employer is legally protected and necessary for maintaining ethical standards in their organizations. 

Common types of whistleblowing include: 

• Fraud reporting: This involves exposing deceitful practices aimed at gaining unfair advantages, such as tax evasion or financial fraud within a company.
• Safety violations: Employees can blow the whistle on safety violations if a company fails to maintain safe working conditions or comply with state or federal regulations. 
• Environmental violations: This refers to activities that harm the environment, such as illegal dumping of hazardous waste or violations of air and water quality standards.
• Discrimination or workplace harassment: Employees may report discriminatory practices or harassment in their workplace based on protected classes, such as race, sex, age, religion, or disability status.
• Abuse of authority: This involves exposing organizations or individuals who use their position to exploit others, often for personal gain or to further illegal activities.

Why Is Whistleblowing Important?

While it can be scary to stand up to powerful companies and insurers, whistleblowers play a crucial role in maintaining integrity and accountability within organizations. Whistleblowing not only prevents harmful practices, but also protects the public interest by holding individuals and companies responsible. 

Legal Protections for Whistleblowers in St. Louis

In St. Louis, whistleblowing is protected under various state and federal laws. These protections are put in place to encourage individuals to speak up about illegal or unethical practices without fear of retaliation from their employers. Common whistleblower protections include: 

• Missouri Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA): This state law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who disclose information about illegal activities and allows for compensatory and punitive damages in whistleblower retaliation cases.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): This federal law protects employees of publicly traded companies who report illegal or unethical activities to authorities.
• False Claims Act (FCA): The FCA allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against companies or individuals that defraud government programs. Whistleblowers may receive a percentage of recovered damages as a reward for their actions.

Speaking up against misconduct in the workplace takes courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation.