Whistleblower Protection and Claims
At the law firm of Robert B. Landry III PLC, in Baton Rouge, we represent individuals in both whistleblower protection and qui tam cases. Whistleblower attorney Landry has extensive experience in a broad variety of employment law matters.
When you work with us in your whistleblower case, your information will be confidential, and we will protect your confidentiality. Our experienced whistleblower attorney understands the difficult position you are in.
To schedule a time to meet to discuss you potential claim with our whistleblower attorney, please complete our online contact form. Our offices are located in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, and we also serve clients in Lafayette and surrounding areas.
Did you know? You can receive a reward for coming forward with information. You are protected by law as a whistleblower. Talk to our whistleblower attorney to learn how we can help you with your claim.
State and Federal Laws Protect Whistleblowers
As an “at-will” employment state, Louisiana allows employers to terminate an employee for any reason or for no reason without warning unless the employee is under contract or is a union member who is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
State and federal laws provide for exceptions to this, however, including “whistleblower protection” for employees who file a complaint or testify against an employer that is violating state or federal laws, or an employee who refuses to participate in an illegal employment act.
Not only are employees protected from retaliation, but the federal False Claims Act also includes “qui tam” provisions that allow an individual to sue on behalf of the federal government any company that is violating federal law.
If the government is awarded damages in the lawsuit, the individual who brought the illegal activity to light may collect a significant portion of the settlement.
Environmental Whistleblower Protection
State laws specifically protect individuals from retaliation in areas that have a higher incidence of fraud and violations. These include health care, insurance and environmental statutes.
Louisiana’s environmental whistleblower statute protects workers from retaliation for disclosing or testifying against an employer for violations of environmental laws. Even if a company is found not to be in violation of environmental laws, an employee is still protected. The reasonable belief that a company is violating environmental laws is sufficient.
Who Is Considered a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is a person who informs on a person or agency that is engaged in illegal or illicit activity. In many cases, a whistleblower is a current or former employee who learns about wrongdoing and steps forward to report it. This wrongdoing may include fraud (often against the government) or other types of misconduct.
In Louisiana, whistleblowers are entitled to certain protections under the law. If you are considering coming forward with information about your company, a New Orleans employment lawyer can help you navigate the process. An attorney can also help you with any retaliation that you may experience after coming forward.
Whistleblowers are often entitled to rewards and compensation. There are time limits for whistleblowing and protecting your rights. It is important to consult with a whistleblower attorney as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.
What Is a Qui Tam Lawsuit?
Qui tam is a shortened version of a Latin phrase that means “the one who sues both for the king and for himself as well.” Qui tam lawsuits are authorized under the federal False Claims Act. Through this type of action, a whistleblower may be able to recover a reward for bringing forward information about fraud against the government.
Qui tam lawsuits have helped the government recover billions of dollars that have been stolen through Medicare and Medicaid fraud, defense contractor fraud, procurement fraud, tax fraud, and other types of fraud against the U.S. A Baton Rouge whistleblower lawyer can help you determine if you qualify to file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Reach out to attorney Robert B. Landry III today to schedule a consultation.
What Happens If I Participated in the Fraud? Can I Still Be a Whistleblower?
You can still blow the whistle on fraud or other wrongdoing even if you participated in it in some way. For purposes of qui tam lawsuits, you will only be able to recover a reward if you participated without knowledge of the fraud or if you did so under duress (through threats or pressure). If you planned or initiated the fraud, then you will not be able to file this type of claim.
Coming forward about fraud or misconduct can be a difficult decision to make, particularly if you were involved in some way. A skilled New Orleans whistleblower attorney can help you determine the best course of action to take based on the unique facts of your situation.
Contact Us to Learn More
Whistleblower attorney Landry takes a proactive approach to protect his clients in whistleblower and qui tam cases. If you have knowledge of corporate wrongdoing and would like to learn more about how you are protected, call us to schedule an appointment with an experienced lawyer who makes your best interests his priority.