Texas Whistleblower Attorneys

Understanding Texas Whistleblower Protections

Reporting misconduct in the workplace by unethical corporations and companies should be acknowledged as a courageous and noble deed. Unfortunately, doing the right thing can result in unjust consequences for Texas workers. From retaliating against whistleblowers to terminating employees who blow the whistle, it’s crucial to protect and exercise your rights against large and powerful companies who seek to avoid legal consequences. 

Texas has legal protections in place to safeguard the rights of whistleblowers against disgruntled companies, including: 

• Texas Whistleblower Act: This act protects public employees from retaliation for reporting misconduct to an appropriate law enforcement authority. It includes reporting any violation of state or federal laws, rules, or regulations by their employers.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Codified in 18 U.S.C. §1514A, this federal law extends to all domestic public companies and non-public entities with publicly traded debt securities. It provides whistleblower protections to employees who disclose employer violations related to mail, wire, bank, or securities fraud, providing a civil cause of action. 
• Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: This federal law expanded whistleblower protections by broadening prohibitions against retaliation. Under this act, employers cannot discharge, demote, suspend, harass, or discriminate in any way against an employee who reports misconduct. 

Our passionate advocates can evaluate your unique circumstances to build your case from the ground up, strengthening your claim with relevant evidence to present a compelling argument on your behalf. 

Who Can File a Whistleblower Claim? 

Any employee subjected to retaliation for reporting illegal or unethical practices within their organization can file a whistleblower claim. This includes public and private sector employees, regardless of their position within the company. 

Under the Texas Whistleblower Act, whistleblowers must report the misconduct to an appropriate law enforcement authority for the protections to apply. At Hilliard Law, our highly skilled attorneys can collaborate closely with you to determine grounds for eligibility and fortify your case with strong evidence.

Common Types of Whistleblower Cases

Whistleblower lawsuits can result from various issues. Common types of whistleblower cases we handle include: 

• Healthcare fraud: These cases involve healthcare providers, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmaceutical companies, defrauding government healthcare programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid). Common practices include overbilling, providing unnecessary treatments, and kickback schemes.
• Securities fraud: These cases involve violations of laws governing stocks and bonds. Dishonest practices like insider trading, spreading false information, stock manipulation, and deceptive financial reporting fall under this category.
• Tax fraud: This involves individuals or companies deliberately falsifying information to avoid paying taxes. Common tactics include underreporting income, inflating deductions, and hiding money and income offshore.
• Government contract fraud: This type of whistleblower case involves contractors defrauding the government. Examples include overcharging, failing to meet contract specifications, cross-charging (charging the government for expenses on a different contract), and product substitution (delivering cheaper goods than agreed).
• Environmental violations: These cases involve businesses that violate environmental laws, often to save costs. This might include improper disposal of hazardous waste, pollution of water bodies, or non-compliance with emissions standards.
• Financial institution fraud: This includes cases where banks and other financial institutions engage in fraudulent practices such as mortgage fraud, fraudulent foreclosure practices, and violations of consumer protection laws.

Can Whistleblowers Remain Anonymous?

Federal law provides certain protections for whistleblowers who prefer to stay anonymous as confidential informants. Under 18 U.S.C. §1513(e), disclosing a whistleblower’s identity can constitute an obstruction of justice. When it comes to anonymous and confidential reporting, the most effective way to safeguard your identity as a whistleblower is to collaborate with an experienced attorney. 

Hilliard Law is committed to protecting our clients' rights and safeguarding the attorney-client privilege by tirelessly advocating on their behalf. We can fight to hold companies responsible for violations and prevent retaliatory actions, such as wrongful termination or demotions. 

Reasons to Hire a Trusted Whistleblower Lawyer 

Our nationally recognized firm is experienced in navigating a wide range of whistleblower claims. From medical malpractice to class action lawsuits, our diverse knowledge of state laws allows our attorneys to represent clients in a variety of whistleblower disputes. If you’re preparing for a whistleblower case, we can assist with: 

• Sound legal guidance: Our extensive knowledge of whistleblower laws and protections permits us to guide our clients. From filing a claim to appearing in court, we can ensure compliance with legal processes and procedures throughout your case. 
• Confidentiality: Our whistleblower attorneys are well-versed in maintaining confidentiality and anonymity for our clients. We can guide your steps accordingly to report the misconduct while minimizing the risk of your identity being revealed, protecting against potential retaliation.
• Fortifying your case with relevant evidence: Our skilled advocates assist employees with gathering evidence, documenting company violations, and building a strong case to support their claims. We understand what evidence is needed to substantiate such allegations, allowing us to advise our clients on potential strategies to maximize the chance of achieving a favorable outcome.   
• Effectively negotiating a settlement: In some cases, whistleblowers may be able to reach a settlement with their employer rather than going to court. Our lawyers can negotiate effectively to seek a fair settlement on your behalf and prevent other parties from taking advantage of you. 

Blowing the whistle on workplace misconduct can result in retaliation and wrongful termination. Contact us online to consult with an experienced whistleblower lawyer.