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If your employer has engaged in unlawful practices, you might wonder how you can bring them to justice without suffering the consequences that many whistleblowers have unjustly faced. Fortunately, several Massachusetts whistleblower laws and protections allow you to bring illegal practices to light without fear of retaliation.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we’ve represented countless whistleblowers in the past and are fully prepared to help you with legal matters related to your situation. A Boston whistleblower protection lawyer from our firm can represent you and assist you in obtaining any financial remedies you’re owed.
Massachusetts Whistleblower Laws and Protections for Public Employees
If you are a public employee, Massachusetts’ whistleblower laws and protections prohibit your employer from retaliating against you for whistleblowing. Under the Massachusetts Public Employee Whistleblower Act, your employer can’t retaliate against you for testifying about or reporting activities that you reasonably believe pose a threat to public safety or the environment.
This act also protects you from retaliation if you refuse your employer’s request for you to participate in the above-mentioned activities.
Retaliation occurs when your employer takes an adverse employment action against you for whistleblowing. Adverse employment actions are ones that negatively impact the terms, conditions, or privileges of your employment. Examples of adverse actions include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Firing
- Demoting
- Issuing a poor performance review
- Cutting your pay
If you are unsure whether the actions your employer has taken against you qualify as retaliation, you’ll want to consult with a skilled Boston labor and employment lawyer at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. We will assess your situation and determine if you’re entitled to file a claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Filing a Whistleblower Retaliation Claim
If your employer has retaliated against you and violated your rights under the Massachusetts Public Employee Whistleblower Act, you’ll have two years to file an action against them. Failure to act within this timeframe will likely bar you from pursuing justice for the retaliation you’ve suffered.
Instead of jeopardizing your case, reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. A seasoned Boston workplace retaliation lawyer can pursue a number of helpful remedies on your behalf, including the following:
- Reinstatement
- Up to three times your lost wages
- Benefits
- Attorney’s fees
Whistleblower Laws and Protections for Massachusetts Health Care Workers
If you are a healthcare worker, the Massachusetts Health Care Whistleblower Act protects your right to report any of your health facility’s practices that endanger public health. If your employer retaliates against you for reporting them, this law gives you the right to take legal action.
According to the law, healthcare workers include, but aren’t limited to, those in the following professions:
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Licensed practical nurses (LPN)
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
- Podiatrists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Chiropractors
- Psychologists
- Social workers
If your employer has violated your rights under Massachusetts’ whistleblower protections and laws for healthcare workers, you’ll have two years from the day of the violation to take action. Get in touch with a skilled attorney today to make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner.
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Protections for False Claims Whistleblowers in Massachusetts
Whistleblower laws and protections in Massachusetts also allow you to sue your employer for making false claims. The following are examples of false claims that you can take legal action against your employer for making:
- Falsely claiming compliance with contractual requirements or government regulations
- Making false invoices for payment
- Making false reports of hours worked, services rendered, or goods delivered
- Using funds from the government for personal use or non-governmental activities
- Other actions that defraud the government
If your employer has made one of these claims, you shouldn’t fear reporting them. Instead, use the Massachusetts False Claims Act (MFCA) law to your advantage and file a suit on behalf of the government. If successful, you could receive a portion of the damages awarded to the government.
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Benefits of Working With Whistleblower Protection Lawyer
Taking legal action against your employer can be intimidating and stressful, especially if you aren’t familiar with the legal process involved with whistleblowing. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can offer the representation and guidance you need to make your voice heard.
Here’s what a skilled lawyer can do to help:
- Provide legal advice on whistleblower laws
- Assess the validity and strength of your claim
- Guide you through legal procedures and complete the paperwork required to file a complaint
- Gathering evidence to support your allegations
- Determine whether you should file a complaint internally, file a report with a government agency, or pursue legal action
- Help you file a retaliation claim
- Negotiate settlements or resolutions, including reinstatement
- Represent you in administrative proceedings, hearings, or court trials.
- Protect your rights under Massachusetts whistleblower laws and protections
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Knowledgeable Lawyer
While familiarizing yourself with Massachusetts’ whistleblower laws and protections can help you expose unlawful practices at your place of work, there’s no substitute for hiring a committed attorney. A lawyer from our team can ensure your rights are protected and assist you in filing an effective claim against your employer.
Contact Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. We’ll meet with you to discuss your whistleblower case and answer any questions you have and advise you on your best course of action. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form