Wrongful Termination for Reporting Fraud in Sacramento

As with most other states, California is at-will when it comes to employment. This means your employer can dismiss you for no reason, and you can leave whenever you choose for no reason. However, if you report that your employer is engaging in fraudulent activity and you are fired, that retaliation is unlawful, and you could have recourse.

An employment attorney from Erkel Law, P.C. can review the details of your circumstances and help you resolve a wrongful termination for reporting fraud in Sacramento.

What Are Some Examples of Fraud by Employers?

Fraud comes in many forms. Common examples of fraud by employers include:

• Healthcare providers who pay or receive kickbacks under federal and state Stark laws or bill insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, for services not provided
• Wage fraud by denying overtime, misclassifying employees as independent contractors, and skirting minimum wage
• Deducting payroll tax and failing to report it
• Environmental fraud by dumping toxic waste and falsifying reports
• Overcharging the government for contracted work

Whistleblowers are protected under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and the Dodd-Frank Act, which both make it unlawful for employers to harass, fire, or retaliate against employees for reporting fraud. These protections cover cases of firing as well as demotions, discrimination, denial of benefits, harassment, and denial of other promised benefits without explanation. If you are wrongfully terminated after reporting an employer for fraud in Sacramento, consult a skilled Erkel Law, P.C. labor and employment attorney for help seeking justice.

Additional Federal Protection and Avenues for Whistleblowers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) processes complaints against employers who retaliate against whistleblowers for reporting fraud. OSHA can fine employers they find at fault, sanction them, and order them to reinstate an employee who is wrongfully fired for reporting fraud in Sacramento.

An attorney from Erkel Law, P.C. can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer under the FCA, which can also lead to you getting your job back if you were terminated or demoted. In a lawsuit, the court has discretion to award twice the back pay you lost after being fired or demoted, interest on that back pay, and attorney’s fees.

If you discover your employer has committed fraud against the U.S. government, an attorney can help you file a qui tam lawsuit on behalf of the government. Fraud against the government comes in many forms, including small business loans, government contractors who overcharge, and the widespread fraud that occurred under the CARES Act during COVID. You may be entitled to a reward for blowing the whistle on government fraud.

Contact a Sacramento Attorney About Wrongful Termination for Reporting Fraud

If you are fired for reporting that your employer has been committing fraud, they are retaliating against you, which is illegal. Different remedies for your wrongful termination may be available, including your reinstatement, back pay, and possibly a reward if your attorney files a qui tam lawsuit.

There are many avenues to justice after a wrongful termination for reporting fraud in Sacramento. Learn what options you have by contacting an employment attorney from Erkel Law, P.C. today.