Kansas City Whistleblower Protection Lawyer

A whistleblower is any person who has secret or intimate knowledge of their company’s illegal actions and chooses to report the unlawful behaviors to state or federal authorities. Usually, whistleblowers are company employees and therefore, are protected under the Kansas Whistleblower Act. 

If you have reported a company or agency for unlawful activities and have faced retaliation from your company as a result, it’s essential to understand your rights. Working with a skilled whistleblower protection lawyer is the best way to understand your circumstances and take action against your employer for any unfair retaliation. Here is some essential information to know about whistleblower laws in Kansas City. 

What to Know About Whistleblower Claims in Kansas City 

Many states—including Kansas and Missouri—have laws that are intended to protect employees who come forward to report their company’s illegal actions. Whistleblower laws protect employees in a variety of scenarios, some of which include: 

• • Employees who report their company’s violations to a government agency
  • Employees who are retaliated against when they report illegal actions to a government agency or supervisor
  • Employees who refuse to complete an employer’s request because it violates the law. 

  It’s important to note that you don’t have to be an employee to pursue a whistleblower claim. There are a number of other parties that are also protected under whistleblower laws, including former employees, friends of employees, and residents. Whistleblower protections can apply to any person who has reported fraud, tax violations, securities violations, discrimination, mishandling of toxic substances, etc. 

  What to Know about Protection under the Kansas Whistleblower Act

  It is not uncommon for an employer to retaliate against an employee who has reported their illegal conduct to the federal government. For example, after finding out about a whistleblower employee, an employer may fire them or reduce their salary. However, in accordance with state laws, it is illegal for an employer to take any adverse action against an employee who has pursued a whistleblower lawsuit, is a witness in an investigation, or has cooperated with an investigation. This means that if you are participating in a whistleblower lawsuit in any capacity, an employer cannot retaliate against you. 

  In Kansas City, employment is at-will, meaning an employer can terminate an employee for any reason unless they have specific conditions in a contract, or the employer engaged in acts of discrimination. Although employment is at-will, an employer cannot fire an employee under unlawful conditions. In Kansas City, being fired because you are part of a whistleblower lawsuit is illegal, and if you have been wrongfully terminated, it’s essential to take action by working with a trusted whistleblower protection lawyer. 

  Common Kinds of Unlawful Retaliation against Whistleblower Employees

  Wrongful termination is not the only way an employer can illegally retaliate against a whistleblower employee. In fact, there are many ways that an employer can use their power to punish an employee who is participating in a whistleblower lawsuit. Some methods an employer might employ to retaliate against an employee include: 

  • Terminating the employee
  • Reducing the employee’s pay 
  • Consistently assigning undesirable tasks to the employee
  • Denying a raise or promotion to the employee
  • Harassing or threatening the employee

  All of these actions are illegal, and if you have faced wrongful retaliation due to your involvement in a whistleblower lawsuit, an experienced attorney can fight for your rights and ensure your best interests are upheld.