What Are My Rights as a Whistleblower in Rhode Island?

Whistleblowers are essential for keeping a safe, orderly, and ethical workplace. When a whistleblower calls out dangerous, inappropriate, or illegal behavior, they are protected, under the law, from retaliation. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always stop employers from lashing out. Please continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Providence, Rhode Island whistleblower protection lawyer from the Herman Law Group to learn more about your rights as a whistleblower here in Rhode Island and how we can help if you believe those rights have been violated. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What rights do I have as a whistleblower in RI?

If you reported wrongdoing in the workplace and faced any of the following retaliatory actions, you may have a right to bring a retaliation claim against your employer:

• You were fired
• You were demoted
• Your pay was docked
• You faced any other form of disciplinary action

Under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act, and the Rhode Island False Claims Act, retaliation against whistleblowers is unlawful. Therefore, with a seasoned legal team in your corner, you can bring a retaliation claim against your employer to sue for the damages you’ve incurred as a result of the retaliation.

How long do I have to file a retaliation claim?

You need to understand that the timeframe in which you may bring a retaliation claim in Rhode Island is limited. In fact, victims of retaliation in the workplace will have to file their retaliation claim within three years of the date the act of retaliation occurred. Waiting any longer than three years will likely result in you permanently losing your right to sue. Our firm has decades of experience representing victims of retaliation in the workplace, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you. If you have any further questions about your rights as a whistleblower and how we can help if you believe those rights were violated, simply reach out to a Providence County, Rhode Island employment lawyer from our firm today.