Philadelphia Whistleblower Protection Lawyers
The current political landscape has given whistleblowers a bad name. However, you are legally protected and have options if you face retaliation. Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., has helped clients in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania protect their rights. Holding your employer accountable for their wrongdoings is the only way justice is served.
Understanding Your Rights As A Whistleblower
Reporting illegal, unsafe or unethical practices at work takes immense courage. Whistleblowing occurs when you disclose information about a workplace violation that threatens the public interest or violates specific laws. While many workers fear they will face professional ruin for speaking up, several powerful state and federal laws shield them from backlash. In fact, retaliation has become a massive legal issue in the modern workplace. In 2024, retaliation claims accounted for more than 56% of all charges filed with the EEOC, highlighting the need for strong legal advocacy when you decide to take a stand.
A wide variety of laws protect your right to speak out, including:
- New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA): One of the nation’s strongest shields for both public and private workers.
- Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law: Protects employees of public bodies and certain private entities that receive specific types of public funding for a public purpose.
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Protects employees who report corporate fraud or financial violations.
- Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA): Ensures you can report dangerous work conditions without fear.
The attorneys on our legal team use their 100 years of combined experience to ensure your voice is heard and your career is protected. We provide an honest assessment of your situation and help you prepare for every stage of your case.
Common Questions About Whistleblower Protection And Retaliation
Reporting a workplace violation takes courage, but many workers fear for their livelihoods. Our attorneys have provided the following answers to help you understand how the law shields you from employer backlash.
Am I protected if I only reported the problem to my supervisor?
Internal reports to supervisors often qualify for protection, but in Pennsylvania, the report must specifically identify an instance of ‘waste’ or ‘wrongdoing’ as defined by statute to ensure legal coverage. You do not always have to contact the police or a government agency to be shielded from retaliation. We help you document these internal complaints properly to ensure you meet the legal requirements for protection.
What counts as ‘retaliation’ if my employer doesn’t actually fire me?
Illegal retaliation includes any negative change to your job that would discourage a reasonable person from speaking out. This covers demotions, pay cuts, sudden shift changes or being excluded from important meetings and mentoring. Our firm fights to hold employers accountable for these ‘subtle’ forms of punishment that can be just as damaging as a termination.
What if I was wrong about the company breaking the law?
In New Jersey, a reasonable belief about unlawful activity is usually enough; however, in Pennsylvania, the report must involve a nontechnical violation of law or evidence of waste to be fully protected. You do not have to be a legal scholar or be 100% correct about the specific statute being broken to receive protection from retaliation. We work to prove that your concerns were sincere and based on the information you had available.
Take Immediate Action If You Have Faced Retaliation
It is better to talk to a skilled attorney sooner rather than later. Don’t let your employer intimidate you from doing the right thing. To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys in Philadelphia or Bensalem, call 215-639-0801. To discuss your case with someone in our Marlton or Astoria office, contact 609-683-4022. You can also fill out this online form.