Birmingham Whistleblower Protection Lawyers

According to 31 USC § 3729, an individual or corporation may be found in violation of the False Claims Act for doing any of the following:

• Knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval;
• Knowingly making, using, or causing to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim;
• Conspiring to commit a violation of subparagraph (A), (B), (D), (E), (F), or (G);
• Having possession, custody, or control of property or money used, or to be used, by the Government and knowingly delivering, or causing to be delivered, less than all of that money or property;
• Being authorized to make or deliver a document certifying receipt of property used, or to be used, by the Government and, intending to defraud the Government, making or delivering the receipt without completely knowing that the information on the receipt is true;
• Knowingly buying, or receiving as a pledge of an obligation or debt, public property from an officer or employee of the Government, or a member of the Armed Forces, who lawfully may not sell or pledge property; or
• Knowingly making, using, or causing to be made or used, a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the Government, or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding or decreasing an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the Government

Qui Tam Penalties and Whistleblower Rewards

Parties found guilty of committing any of the above may be penalized up to $10,000, in addition to triple the amount of damages that the government incurred because of the violator's actions. 

According to the qui tam provision, the plaintiff who brings the charge against the violator may retain 15-30% of the total government recovery. To begin the process, the relator must file a statement confidentially in a federal district court and must include any evidence against the defendant.

If you are considering filing a qui tam lawsuit, you could greatly benefit from the assistance of a qualified Birmingham qui tam attorney at Michel Allen & Sinor. The False Claims Act and other laws related to whistleblowing can be quite complex and confusing. To seek the most financial recovery possible, it is wise for you to speak with an attorney from our firm about your situation.

Many potential relators are unsure whether what they have seen actually rises to the level of fraud covered by the False Claims Act or is simply waste or mismanagement. Before you take any step that could affect your job or your professional relationships, it can be helpful to sit down with a lawyer who regularly handles these cases in Alabama. We can review documents with you, talk through how the billing or conduct you observed worked in practice, and explain what the government typically looks for in a strong case. By understanding the process at the outset, you can decide whether to move forward and how to protect sensitive information while doing so.

Whistleblowing and the Workplace

The most common type of whistleblower is one who reports the misconduct of a person within their company. Fortunately, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has made certain provisions that safeguard the rights of employees who report their employer's illegal activities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). 

If you fear retaliation or have been retaliated against for exposing misconduct within your company, you may be eligible for whistleblower protections. Once an employee notifies a government agency or files a complaint against their employer, the company will sometimes retaliate by firing or bringing disciplinary action against the employee. The purpose of OSHA is to make sure that employees can expose fraudulent employers without fear of reprisal.

If you notified an agency of your employer's misdeeds and are being punished for it, then you should get in touch with a seasoned whistleblower retaliation attorney in Alabama at Michel Allen & Sinor. Our attorneys can listen to your story and determine whether you have grounds for a whistleblower claim. We are solely dedicated to settling cases related to employment law and understand the importance of protecting employees’ rights. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may have a right to file a complaint. We can help walk you through the process and explain the laws that apply to your situation. Make sure that you do so quickly because you may have as little as 30 days to report the incident.

Retaliation in the workplace can take many forms beyond termination, including demotion, a sudden drop in hours, exclusion from important meetings, or unfair negative evaluations. In Birmingham, these changes can be especially disruptive when your job is a primary source of income for your household and benefits like health insurance are tied to your position. When you come to us, we look closely at the timing of the employer’s actions, how you were treated compared to co-workers, and any documentation you have kept. This allows us to give you straightforward feedback about whether what you are experiencing is likely to be considered unlawful retaliation and what options you may have to respond.

Lawyers Who Can Make a Difference in Your Claim

If you choose to work with our attorneys, you can be sure that we will communicate with you from start to finish. We understand that you may be experiencing a mixture of fear and anxiety under the circumstances of your current situation. Let us provide you with wise legal counsel so you can pursue the results and the future that you desire. We offer a free confidential case evaluation so that you may obtain advice and information regarding your case before making any commitment to our firm.

When you contact our office, you will speak with a team that focuses its practice on employment matters and understands how whistleblower cases intersect with other workplace rights. We take the time to explain each stage of the process, from the first consultation to any agency filings or court appearances that may follow. Clients in Birmingham and across Alabama often tell us that having clear expectations and regular updates reduces some of the stress they are facing. Our goal is to stand beside you as you assert your rights, so you are not trying to navigate complex laws or powerful employers on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Quickly Should I Report Whistleblower Retaliation?

Many whistleblower and retaliation laws have short deadlines, and some federal statutes require you to act within weeks, not months. Because these timelines can vary based on the type of conduct involved and whether your claim will be handled by a federal agency, a state agency, or a court serving the Birmingham area, it is important to get legal guidance as soon as possible. Acting promptly gives you a better chance to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and meet any filing requirements that may apply to your situation.

Can I File a Whistleblower Claim If I No Longer Work for the Company?

In many cases you may still be able to pursue a whistleblower or retaliation claim even if you have already resigned or been terminated. What matters is often when the unlawful conduct and the protected report took place, and whether you are still within the time limits set by the applicable laws. If your former employer is located in or around Birmingham, an attorney can help you evaluate which options may still be open and what documentation from your employment you should gather now.

Will My Employer Know That I Contacted a Lawyer?

Simply reaching out to a law firm to learn about your rights does not require you to notify your employer, and those conversations can be kept confidential. Meeting with a lawyer who handles employment matters in Alabama can give you a clearer understanding of the potential risks and benefits of taking further action. With that information, you can decide whether to pursue an agency complaint, a lawsuit, or another approach that fits your goals and your tolerance for conflict.

What Types of Workplace Violations Are Protected Under Whistleblower Laws? 

Employees can report a wide range of illegal activities, including financial fraud, safety violations, workplace discrimination, and environmental hazards. Federal and Alabama state laws protect workers who expose these dangerous or fraudulent practices from being unfairly punished by their employers. An attorney can help you determine if the specific misconduct you witnessed qualifies for legal protection and guide you through the proper reporting channels.

Can I Remain Anonymous When Filing a Whistleblower Complaint? 

Depending on the type of claim and the government agency involved, it is sometimes possible to submit information without immediately revealing your identity. Certain federal programs have specific provisions that allow for anonymous reporting if you are represented by legal counsel. A Birmingham whistleblower attorney can evaluate your evidence and determine the best strategy to protect your identity while still exposing the corporate misconduct.

Defend Your Career and Stop Retaliation with a Birmingham Whistleblower Attorney

Exposing corporate fraud or illegal workplace activities should never cost you your livelihood. If you are facing unfair retaliation in the Birmingham area, you must act quickly to safeguard your professional reputation and your financial stability. Reach out to our dedicated legal team today so we can begin building a strong strategy to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.