Newark Whistleblower Lawyers

How to Handle Retaliation in Corporate Environments

Retaliation is an unfortunate reality many whistleblowers face after exposing workplace misconduct. Recognizing the signs of retaliation and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in protecting both your career and your rights. 

Signs of retaliation are not always obvious and may develop gradually. Common symptoms include: 

• Exclusion from critical meetings
• Removal from projects
• Denial of promotions
• Sudden negative performance evaluations
• More overt actions, like termination or demotion, are also common forms of retaliation

If you suspect retaliation, act quickly to protect yourself and your position. That can start with a call to our office. We can help you protect your interests, collect evidence, and determine the best way to present that evidence, even if you aren’t yet ready to go to court. 

We’ll start by addressing the issue internally, where possible, by filing complaints with your firm’s Human Resources or compliance departments. However, if internal mechanisms fail or you fear further conflict, we may need to pursue litigation. 

Damages Whistleblowers Can Recover 

If you’ve experienced retaliation for exposing illegal or unethical practices, CEPA not only protects your employment rights but also allows you to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. 

Possible damages in a lawsuit can include: 

Financial Damages

Retaliation often leads to financial hardships, such as lost wages following termination, demotion, or reduced responsibilities. Whistleblowers may recover back pay to compensate for past income losses and front pay to address anticipated losses if returning to the workplace proves impossible. Additionally, you can seek compensation for benefits, such as health insurance, that were unfairly stripped away.