New Jersey Whistleblower Protection Lawyer
Standing up against fraud, safety violations, or unethical practices in the workplace takes courage. Whistleblowers perform a critical public service by exposing illegal activities that endanger employees, harm the public, or defraud the government. Unfortunately, reporting misconduct can come at a steep personal cost. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our New Jersey whistleblower protection lawyers are committed to defending those who speak the truth. We represent employees who have been retaliated against for their bravery and help them pursue justice under state and federal whistleblower laws.
New Jersey’s whistleblower laws, including the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), provide strong legal protections for employees who report violations of law or public policy. These protections extend to employees in both the public and private sectors—including health care providers, public bodies, and publicly traded companies.
Understanding Whistleblower Protection in New Jersey
Whistleblower protection is a legal framework that shields employees from retaliatory action when they disclose, report, or object to illegal activities or practices within an organization. New Jersey has some of the nation’s most comprehensive whistleblower laws, notably CEPA, often referred to as the “New Jersey Whistleblower Law.”
This law protects employees who:
- Report violations of law or public policy
- Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical conduct
- Cooperate with investigations into employer wrongdoing
- Disclose fraudulent claims made to the federal government or other public bodies
The law prohibits employers from firing, demoting, harassing, or otherwise retaliating against employees for engaging in these protected activities. Whistleblowers may pursue legal action for lost pay, lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, and other remedies under CEPA and related federal laws.
Common Types of Whistleblower Claims
CEPA Claims and Pierce Claims
A CEPA claim is based on New Jersey’s whistleblower statute, protecting employees who report misconduct that violates public policy or law. Pierce claims, derived from case law, offer similar protections based on an employer’s violation of a clear mandate of public policy.
Fraud and False Claims
Whistleblower claims frequently involve fraudulent conduct, including false or fraudulent claims submitted to the federal government under programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Under the False Claims Act and Jersey False Claims Act, whistleblowers may initiate qui tam actions—lawsuits filed on behalf of the government—to recover misused funds and share in the recovery through financial incentives.
Illegal Activities and Legal Violations
Employees who disclose workplace misconduct—such as environmental violations, violations of public health codes, or misuse of employee benefits—are protected from retaliation. These disclosures may be made internally or to a governmental agency such as the Internal Revenue Service or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Retaliation in Publicly Traded Companies
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides additional protections for whistleblowers employed by publicly traded companies. These laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report violations affecting shareholders or the public.
New Jersey’s Legal Protections for Whistleblowers
New Jersey’s whistleblower laws provide protection far beyond what federal law requires. CEPA applies to any employee in New Jersey, regardless of the employer’s size. It protects employees who report legal violations, unsafe practices, or threats to public health and safety.
The law also protects employees who report issues like Medicaid fraud, fraudulent claim filings, improper denial of unemployment insurance, and threats to patient care. When employers violate these protections, they can be held accountable for emotional distress, back pay, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.
Remedies Available to Whistleblowers
Employees who prevail in a whistleblower case may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to their former job
- Compensation for lost pay and benefits
- Damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages in severe cases
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
These remedies aim to restore the employee’s career, compensate for damages, and deter future retaliation by employers.
Greenberg Gross LLP’s Approach to Whistleblower Protection
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our experienced attorneys understand the stress and risk whistleblowers face. We are here to protect employees who make difficult, often dangerous decisions to report wrongdoing. Whether you’ve faced retaliation, been wrongfully terminated, or suffered other adverse action, our attorneys are ready to take legal action on your behalf.
We handle cases under New Jersey’s whistleblower laws as well as federal statutes like the False Claims Act and Sarbanes-Oxley. Our legal team builds every case with informed decisions and compelling evidence, preparing for litigation while pursuing early resolutions when possible.
Our New Jersey whistleblower attorneys represent clients across the state in whistleblower claims against private employers, health care institutions, and public entities. Our attorneys understand the complexity of laws that protect employees, and we fight to ensure your voice is heard and your rights defended.
When to Speak with a Whistleblower Attorney
If you’ve reported illegal activities or disclosed fraud and now face retaliation, it’s critical to contact a whistleblower attorney as soon as possible. Timing matters. There are legal deadlines that can affect your right to sue. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect your claims and preserves essential evidence.
Our New Jersey whistleblower lawyers provide compassionate, confidential counsel and work to develop a strategy tailored to your situation. We listen to your story, assess your options, and prepare your case for success—whether that means negotiation, mediation, or going before the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Our Commitment to Jersey Whistleblowers
We are deeply committed to representing whistleblowers throughout New Jersey. From helping expose fraud against the federal government to protecting nurses who report violations affecting patient care, we work tirelessly for individuals who take personal risks to uphold the law and public trust.
Whether you’re based in a corporate office, government agency, or health care facility, our jersey whistleblower lawyers understand how to build strong claims under New Jersey’s whistleblower statutes and federal protections alike. Greenberg Gross LLP is here to help you navigate whistleblower law with integrity, professionalism, and strength.
Ready to Speak Out with Legal Support Behind You?
You don’t have to face retaliation alone. Greenberg Gross LLP stands with whistleblowers across New Jersey. If you’ve faced consequences for doing the right thing—reporting misconduct, disclosing legal violations, or exposing fraud—we’re here to help. Protect your future. Let our experienced whistleblower attorneys guide you through your options and advocate for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)?
CEPA is New Jersey’s primary whistleblower statute. It protects employees who report illegal activities, object to unsafe practices, or refuse to participate in actions that violate laws or clear mandates of public policy.
What is a qui tam action?
A qui tam action is a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower on behalf of the federal government under the False Claims Act. If successful, the whistleblower may receive a portion of the recovered funds as a financial incentive.
Can I be fired for reporting illegal activities?
No. Laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report fraud, health violations, or public safety risks. If you were fired, demoted, or harassed after making a protected disclosure, you may be entitled to legal remedies.
What evidence is needed to support a whistleblower claim?
Successful whistleblower claims often rely on emails, internal reports, financial records, or witness statements. Our attorneys help gather and present clear and convincing evidence to support your case.
How does a whistleblower attorney help?
A whistleblower attorney helps you assess your case, protect your rights, and pursue legal action if necessary. They guide you through CEPA claims, qui tam actions, and any retaliatory action taken by your employer.