Understanding Whistleblower Protections & Whistleblower Program Structures
Understanding Whistleblower Protections & Whistleblower Program Structures
Congress has created various whistleblower protections—through statutes such as the Whistleblower Protection Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, and more—to safeguard employees and other individuals who bring forward allegations of misconduct. These laws cover a wide range of wrongdoing, from submitting false claims to the federal government, to violating securities regulations through the SEC’s Whistleblower Program or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to tax underpayments or evasion under the IRS Whistleblower Program.
Why Whistleblower Laws Matter
Preventing Fraud in Many Forms
Whistleblowers help root out false or fraudulent claims, tax fraud, health care fraud, or other improper activities that harm taxpayers or defraud government entities.
Protecting Whistleblowers
Anti-retaliation provisions in federal laws ensure whistleblowers who experience adverse action—such as demotion, harassment, or job termination—can seek remedies.
Encouraging Reporting
Whistleblower protections promote a reasonable belief in the importance of coming forward by providing legal representation, anonymity options (where applicable), and potential rewards.
40 Years of Fierce Representation
40 Years of Fierce Representation
How We Can Help You
How We Can Help You
Personalized Assessments
We start by listening to your story, evaluating whether you’re a federal employee or employed in the private sector, and identifying if your complaint involves minimum wage or overtime pay issues, safety and health complaints, or more complex fraud.
Comprehensive Evidence Gathering
Our whistleblower lawyers compile documents, communicate with relevant agencies, and build a solid legal case for your whistleblower complaint—be it to the Department of Labor, the SEC, the IRS, or another enforcement agency.
Nationwide Reach & Whistleblower Litigation Experience
With decades of experience in whistleblower protection laws, we represent whistleblowers from local governments to federal employees across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring your allegations are properly addressed.
Contingency-Based Representation
You pay no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf, letting you focus on your protected activity instead of legal expenses.
Compassionate Guidance
Coming forward with a complaint can feel overwhelming. We provide compassionate legal guidance every step of the way, prioritizing your well-being while protecting your anonymity whenever possible. Our team is dedicated to upholding your rights and helping you feel fully supported under the strongest whistleblower protections available.
What We Handle
What We Handle
Ferraro Law represents clients across a wide range of whistleblower cases, addressing various forms of fraud, misconduct, and retaliation in both public and private sector settings.
IRS Whistleblower Program
Individuals who report tax fraud to the Internal Revenue Service may be eligible for whistleblower rewards.
False Claims & Government Fraud
From false or fraudulent claims submitted to the federal government to government contracting abuses, we help whistleblowers file claims and seek justice.
Workplace Safety & Health Complaints
Employees raising health complaints or safety issues under OSH Act are shielded by occupational safety whistleblower protections.
Wage and Hour Division & Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
We assist those who report violations of minimum wage, overtime pay, or child labor laws enforced by the Department of Labor.
SEC & CFTC Whistleblower Programs
Individuals who report securities or commodities fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission or Commodity Futures Trading Commission may be eligible for whistleblower rewards.
Discrimination & Retaliation
If you face adverse action due to your reporting—such as losing job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—we advocate on your behalf.
Deciding Whether to Hire a Whistleblower Attorney
Deciding Whether to Hire a Whistleblower Attorney
An experienced whistleblower attorney can protect you against retaliation by working to restore your position or seek damages if a covered employer punishes you for whistleblowing. They can also navigate multiple jurisdictions, strategically coordinating your case if it involves federal court or multiple agencies, while ensuring compliance with relevant whistleblower protection laws. Additionally, they work to maximize potential rewards, as many federal laws provide monetary awards for validated reports, offering further incentives to come forward and expose misconduct.
Compensation for Whistleblowers
Compensation for Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers can be vital in exposing fraud, and the law offers protections and rewards to support their efforts. They may be entitled to financial compensation, employment remedies, and coverage of legal costs. These measures protect whistleblowers and recognize them for promoting accountability.
Compensation may include:
Financial Compensation
Potentially a percentage of recovered funds or penalties imposed on the employer, especially under the IRS’ and SEC’s Whistleblower Program, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program, or the False Claims Act.
Back Pay & Benefits
If you were fired or otherwise retaliated against, you could be entitled to reinstatement or damages covering lost wages.
Legal Costs & Fees
Whistleblower protection laws often mandate the employer to cover your attorney fees if you prevail, freeing you from financial burden.
What to Look for in a Whistleblower Attorney
What to Look for in a Whistleblower Attorney
Choosing a lawyer to handle your whistleblower case is a critical decision. As you evaluate potential legal counsel, consider the following:
Relevant Experience
Seek a law firm skilled in different whistleblower programs—like SEC’s and IRS’ Whistleblower Program, OSHA whistleblower complaints, or the Fair Labor Standards Act—and with a proven track record of success.
Commitment to Personal Attention
Every whistleblower complaint is unique, ranging from allegations about gender identity or sexual orientation discrimination to claims of systemic fraud. We tailor our approach to your situation.
Resources & Reach
Whether you’re dealing with local governments or large multinational employers, we have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claims and coordinate with enforcement agencies.
Contingency Fee
Look for an attorney offering a no-cost consultation and payment only upon a successful recovery, allowing you to assert your rights without financial risk.
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro Law
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro Law
Partnering with Ferraro Law means you’ll have an experienced legal team on your side, one that provides personalized guidance, clear communication, and strategic advocacy to help you pursue the best potential outcome for your case.
We take the time to understand your concerns, whether you’re filing a safety and health complaint, reporting securities fraud to the SEC, or addressing other violations. By prioritizing your unique situation, we work with you to create a clear and effective plan for moving forward.
From the Whistleblower Protection Act, which safeguards federal employees, to private sector claims under laws like Sarbanes-Oxley; we bring a comprehensive understanding of whistleblower protections. Our team stays continuously updated on the latest regulations and legal precedents to ensure your rights are upheld and your case is positioned for success.
We help you draft your whistleblower complaint, provide the necessary mailing addresses or telephone numbers for relevant agencies, and explain how anti-retaliation provisions apply to you.
With our contingency fee model, you can seek justice without the financial burden of upfront or ongoing legal fees. This arrangement means that you owe nothing unless we successfully secure a favorable outcome for your case, allowing you to focus on your claim with confidence and peace of mind.
We simplify complex legal processes by guiding you on how to file, identifying which laws may apply—such as the FLSA, Internal Revenue Code, or the OSH Act—and helping you preserve evidence for a strong and thorough investigation.
Although based in Florida, we proudly assist employees, federal workers, and other whistleblowers across the country, which means that your rights are protected and justice is pursued wherever your case arises.
At Ferraro Law, our dedication to excellence, personalized strategies, and unwavering support sets us apart in whistleblower representation. We work diligently to navigate the complexities of whistleblower cases, protecting your rights while ensuring the process is as seamless as possible and advocating strongly for justice and accountability.
Client Experiences
Client Experiences
When employees uncover workplace wrongdoing—such as misappropriated funds or safety hazards—they turn to Ferraro Law for comprehensive legal representation. Through strategic advocacy and collaboration with regulatory agencies, our firm builds strong cases to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, address the misconduct, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, preventing further harm.
“You not only told us it was going to be okay, you showed us that it’s going to be okay.”
SUZANNE
ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA
It has been 12 years since my father passed away. Every time this anniversary comes, it always overwhelms me with a mixture of emotions. On one side, just like most people, I start to reminisce about the great times we had as a family and how I miss it so much. On the other side, I can’t help but remember the pain and suffering he endured the last several months of his life. I believe closure sits right in the middle of these emotions. Closure is always hard when someone you love passes away. To us, closure felt unattainable. It was hard because we did not understand why he was taken from us so soon. Collectively as a family we felt that he never needed to suffer the way that he did. When I start to think about closure, part of me thinks about James Ferraro Jr. and The Ferraro Law Firm. My mother found the law firm while my father was still alive. She had inquired about possibly finding out, and holding accountable, those individuals and/or companies that had contributed to my father’s illness. They went to work for my mother immediately and inevitably helped her find a little piece of closure that she so desperately needed following his death. As I have always said, no amount of money could ever replace my father. However, because of the tireless work of James Jr. and the rest of the firm, my mother was able to move forward with her life. She moved forward knowing she would be okay, our family would be okay, and that those responsible were held accountable. Fast-forward to today and I still think about James Jr. and the firm during this anniversary. I cannot stress enough the amount of appreciation my family and I have for them and what they did for us.
David, we thank God everyday for you coming into our lives. We wish you all the love, health, wealth and happiness and the best to come.
S.L. & Y.L.
Our family appreciates the efforts you have made in my late father’s behalf. The settlements you won meant my mother lived in comfort in the decade she was alive after my dad died. It meant she could die at home with private nursing care.
For my sister, it has brought a measure of greater financial security.
I especially want to thank you for your help with getting the settlements to us this year. It will ease Elizabeth’s mind to have that money as she fights pancreatic cancer.
You have brought joy (to say nothing about funds) to our humble home. You continue to act on my behalf relentlessly and I thank you for that.
B.G.
The Steps Your Whistleblower Attorney Will Take
The Steps Your Whistleblower Attorney Will Take
Once you decide to hire a whistleblower attorney, they will guide you through a clear, step-by-step process:
1
free Initial Consultation
During your free initial consultation, we carefully review your concerns—whether it involves an employer violating wage and hour laws or ignoring safety standards—to determine if you have a valid whistleblower claim and guide you on the next steps.
2
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We thoroughly investigate your case, gathering emails, internal documents, witness statements, or other evidence that demonstrates fraud, safety negligence, or discrimination. This process ensures a strong foundation for your whistleblower claim.
3
Filing & Agency Coordination
We assist you in submitting your whistleblower complaint to the appropriate agency, such as the SEC, IRS, OSHA, or the Wage and Hour Division, and gather all necessary supporting documents.
4
Negotiation & Settlement
If the employer admits wrongdoing, we work to secure fair remedies, which may include financial compensation, reinstatement, or other corrective actions to address your claim.
5
Trial Preparation (If Needed)
If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to present your case in court. We will highlight how your actions were protected under federal law and advocate for your rights.
6
Ongoing Support & Communication
Even after your case is resolved, we remain available to address additional questions, provide updates on enforcement actions, and assist with any future retaliation issues you may face.
Meet Your Whistleblower Attorneys
Meet Your Whistleblower Attorneys
Learn More About Our Team
Our whistleblower lawyers bring decades of experience handling safety and health complaints, claims of employer fraud and other protected activities under multiple whistleblower protection laws. At Ferraro Law, you’ll work directly with attorneys who believe in upholding the rights of individuals who bravely report misconduct in both private sector and federal government workplaces.
Angelica L. Novick
Angelica represents clients in commercial, mass tort, and multi-district litigation, including whistleblower actions. With a track record in high-stakes disputes and government investigations, she brings sharp insight to complex matters in state and federal court.
James L. Ferraro Sr.
For over 40 years, Jim has led high-impact cases against major corporations in asbestos, environmental, and injury litigation—securing billions of dollars and meaningful outcomes for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
James L. Ferraro Jr.
James handles high-stakes injury and environmental cases, focusing on toxic torts, product liability, and public impact litigation. He leads the firm’s national MDL work and has helped recover tens of millions of dollars for cities, families, and individuals harmed by corporate negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
Can federal employees also blow the whistle on government agencies?
Yes. Under the Whistleblower Protection Act and related statutes, federal employees who report wrongdoing can be protected from retaliation or adverse action.
02.
Which laws enforced by the Department of Labor apply to whistleblowers?
Numerous laws fall under the DOL’s purview, from the FLSA which establishes minimum wage to the OSH Act covering occupational safety. Each has anti-retaliation provisions protecting employees.
03.
Do I need evidence before I file a whistleblower complaint?
Having documentation or other forms of proof strengthens your case. However, you only need a reasonable belief of wrongdoing to initiate the process.
04.
Can I remain anonymous or confidential?
Some whistleblower programs (e.g., SEC) allow anonymity. Our attorneys can explain your options and any implications for your complaint.
05.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Yes, Ferraro Law represents clients nationwide. Our experience in complex litigation ensures effective advocacy, no matter where you live.
have more questions?
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
Whistleblower Protection Act
A law safeguarding federal employees who report misconduct in government agencies.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcing safety and health standards for workers.
FLSA
Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and other worker protections.
IRS Whistleblower Program
Section 7623 of the Internal Revenue Code provides for awards for reporting violations of the Code, as administered by the IRS Whistleblower Office.
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
A law enhancing corporate accountability, including whistleblower provisions for publicly traded companies.
Dodd-Frank Act
Provides additional protections and whistleblower rewards, primarily through the SEC’s Whistleblower Program.
What's Next?
what’s next?
attorney referral program
attorney referral program
Ferraro Law is nationally renowned for achieving significant settlements in complex personal injury cases. Firms across the country refer clients to Ferraro Law, recognizing our commitment to exceptional service, groundbreaking results, and readiness to tackle cases others find too risky or costly.
