Pursuing a whistleblower retaliation claim without a skilled lawyer may be challenging due to the many complexities that surround these types of cases. At Hilliard, we may conduct an extensive investigation to obtain evidence of legal wrongdoings and retaliation.
As a public employee in Texas, you trust that your employer follows local, state, and federal laws. However, if you find out that your employer has violated the law, you may be wondering what your best legal options are to obtain justice. Understandably, you may be anxious about potentially jeopardizing your employment, but you may have protections under the Texas Whistleblower Act.
Hilliard Law has over three decades of experience helping public employees fight for the justice they deserve in instances of whistleblowing for unlawful wrongdoings on the behalf of their employer. As nationally and internationally recognized whistleblower lawyers, we understand how to navigate Texas laws and build a robust case on your behalf. You shouldn’t suffer wrongful termination or other negative consequences for bringing illegal activity to light. We fiercely advocate on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Texas Whistleblower Act?
Texas Government Code, Chapter 5, Section 554.002 explains that the Texas Whistleblower Act protects public employees who make reports in good faith of legal violations by their employer to a law enforcement authority.
Whistleblowers help play an essential role in observing and reporting corporate or government wrongdoing. If you discover that your employer is engaging in unlawful conduct and decide to say nothing about it, you may risk the behavior continuing or potentially being found partially responsible yourself. If your employer finds out it was you who said something, you may also face potential retaliation. The Texas Whistleblower Act helps to prevent retaliation and to encourage ethical decision-making.
The Texas Whistleblower Act applies to individuals employed by local or state government entities, including state education institutions, committees, boards, law enforcement, and others. If you have experienced employer retaliation for whistleblowing, contact the experienced whistleblower lawyers at Hilliard Law for a comprehensive assessment of your claim and guidance regarding your best legal actions moving forward.
How to Pursue a Claim for Retaliation Under the Texas Whistleblower Act
In order to pursue a retaliation claim successfully under the Texas Whistleblower Act, you must establish the following:
- You were a public employee
- You acted in good faith
- There was unlawful behavior of an agency, public employer, or employee
- You made the report to an appropriate law enforcement authority
- The employer took adverse action against you in response to the report
Employer retaliation may come in many forms, including wrongful termination, treating you unfairly, and demotions. Depending on the unique circumstances of your whistleblower claim, you may be able to recover compensatory damages due to their unlawful retaliation against you.
With the help of an experienced whistleblower lawyer, we may be able to conduct an investigation into the details of your claim, obtain evidence of retaliation, and build a robust claim to bolster your chances of success in seeking justice.
Compensation in a Successful Whistleblower Retaliation Claim
The experienced whistleblower lawyers at Hilliard Law may be able to help you calculate the complete monetary value of your claim by assessing the strength of your claim, the extent of damages, and other factors. In a successful whistleblower retaliation claim, you could recover the following compensation:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reinstatement of employment,
- Lost wages while looking for a new job
- Out-of-pocket expenses as a result of searching for a new job
- Demotion
You may also recover compensatory damages for pain and suffering if you have experienced harassment or discrimination by your employer. Depending on your employer’s behavior, a court may also award punitive damages as punishment for their illegal conduct and set an example for future employers.
Contact the Experienced Whistleblower Lawyers at Hilliard Law
Pursuing a whistleblower retaliation claim without a skilled lawyer may be challenging due to the many complexities that surround these types of cases. At Hilliard Law, we may conduct an extensive investigation to obtain evidence of legal wrongdoings and retaliation.
At Hilliard Law, we have over three decades of experience navigating the most complex whistleblower claims. Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form for skilled legal guidance. If you partner with us, we will work on a Contingent Fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win.