If you have experienced or witnessed illegal activity in your workplace, such as discrimination or wage theft, you have a legal right to report it. However, whistleblowers often face retaliation or wrongful termination for doing the right thing. Working with a Costa Mesa whistleblower lawyer can help you pursue justice after experiencing violations of whistleblower laws.
The legal professionals at California Employment Counsel, APC, understand how much courage it takes to take a stand against injustice. Reporting workplace violations is a challenging first step. Let our lawyers take care of your legal case so you can move forward in life knowing you’re supported. Our mission is to protect the rights of California employees so they can live life without fear.
We have established our firm on morals and integrity, and we are highly respected for these efforts in local judicial circles.
Whistleblowing is when an employee reports illegal acts in the workplace, as they are blowing the whistle on the wrongdoings of their employer. Anyone can be a whistleblower, and these individuals are protected under California whistleblower laws and the California Whistleblower Protection Act. Examples of common instances of whistleblowing are listed below:
In 2024, there were 64,900 workers in Costa Mesa. That year, the top employment industries in Costa Mesa included professional, scientific, and technical services, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. Major employers in Orange County include Experian Information Solutions, Menzies Aviation, and Boeing. Even if you work for one of these big-name companies, you should not feel intimidated about reporting illegal actions at your job.
If you’ve witnessed or experienced immoral or unlawful acts at your place of employment, you have a legal right to report them. You do not have to accept harmful behavior. Reporting harmful workplace behavior can be scary, but it is a courageous step to make for real change to occur. A Costa Mesa whistleblower lawyer is a great resource for learning more about how you are protected as a California employee.
When a whistleblower faces retaliation for reporting workplace violations, there are legal penalties that an employer can face if they show retaliation against the employee. Some common acts of retaliation that are protected under California whistleblower laws are listed below:
In 2024, there were 25 whistleblower retaliation complaints filed with the State Personnel Board in California. If you’ve experienced a retaliatory act because of whistleblowing, you can file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner. You have one year from the date of the incident to file your complaint.
To prove harmful workplace acts or that you’ve experienced retaliation, gather as much evidence as possible. Examples of strong evidence are listed below:
Avoid deleting any communication between you and the perpetrator, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Also, avoid posting on social media about the situation, as well as recording the perpetrator in secret, as this is illegal in California and can harm your case.
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If you’ve experienced or seen any of these types of incidents, it’s vital to hire a whistleblower lawyer. Depending on the type of unlawful act committed in the workplace, several different types of reports can be made with the help of an attorney.
Acts of discrimination or harassment can be reported to your company’s human resources department. However, if you don’t feel safe reporting the incident internally, you can file an official complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department. They handle employment complaints and can conduct an internal investigation into the matter. A local attorney can help you file your complaint.
You can also request a “right-to-sue” complaint, which allows you to pursue the case in court. In 2023, there were 185 employment complaints filed with the Civil Rights Department in Orange County. That same year, there were 957 “right-to-sue” complaints filed in Orange County. You have three years from the date of the last incident to file your complaint with the Civil Rights Department.
After a “right-to-sue” complaint is approved, filing can be done at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. However, it’s crucial to note that if you pursue this option, the Civil Rights Department does not investigate the incident, as the matter is handled exclusively in court.
The path you decide to take is unique to your personal and situational needs. Discuss all of your concerns with an attorney to understand which legal option is right for you.
The Costa Mesa whistleblower lawyers at California Employment Counsel, APC, know how destabilizing life can feel after reporting violations in the workplace. You deserve to have competent legal care as a part of your support system during this challenging time. Contact our office in Costa Mesa to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our skilled and empathetic attorneys.
555 Anton Blvd,
Suite 150
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Call: 714-361-0864
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714-462-8376
555 Anton Blvd., Suite 150,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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