Whistleblowers play a vital role by exposing wrongdoing and misconduct within their workplaces, protecting the public from potential dangers. However, blowing the whistle isn’t as simple as it may seem in the media. Whistleblower laws provide powerful protections, but they only apply under narrow circumstances. If you have witnessed illegal or unethical activities within your Maryland or Washington, D.C. workplace and are considering blowing the whistle, it is essential to understand your rights and identify the appropriate reporting entity to ensure you are fully protected
The experienced employment law team at Ellison Sadri recognizes the immense courage it takes to speak out against misconduct. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Think of our office as your essential legal ally. Our experienced Maryland and D.C. whistleblower attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding your rights, ensuring you are protected from retaliation, and helping you secure any compensation you may be entitled to.
What Is a Whistleblower?
| Financial fraud | Securities violations | Government contract fraud |
| Failures to pay wages due | Product and food safety | Discrimination or harassment |
| Safety violations | Healthcare Fraud | Environmental violations |
Whistleblowers often face retaliation, despite the legal strict protections in place. Consulting with an attorney can help safeguard your rights and protect you against workplace repercussions.
Who Must You Report to in Order to Be Considered a Whistleblower?
There is a misconception that reporting any wrongdoing is whistleblowing. Whistleblower protections are only applicable when an individual reports the correct form of misconduct to the entity assigned to address that specific form of misconduct. Reporting internally may not constitute whistleblowing depending on the circumstances. To receive legal protections as a whistleblower, you must report the violation to the appropriate entity, and the specific authority you report to depends on the nature of the misconduct. Oftentimes, successful reports are made to government agencies, law enforcement authorities, compliance officers, regulatory bodies, and whistleblower programs.
Examples of Whistleblower Retaliation
Although expressly illegal in Maryland, D.C., and on a federal level, employers continue to retaliate against those who report misconduct. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
| Termination | Hostile work environment | Denial of promotion or demotion |
| Salary reduction | Harassment | Exclusion from workplace opportunities |
| Increased scrutiny | Reassignment | Negative change in duties or location |
| Negative reviews | Baseless disciplinary action | Threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse |
Damages Ellison Sadri Can Help You Recover
- Reinstatement if you were terminated or demoted
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Compensation for emotional distress and reputational harm
- Punitive damages in extreme cases of employer misconduct
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
Your Essential Legal Ally: Contact Our Experienced Maryland & D.C. Whistleblower Attorneys Today
Blowing the whistle on illegal or unethical conduct is a difficult decision you don’t have to make alone. Our dedicated whistleblower attorneys stand ready to identify the best strategic move to maximize protections and compensation and to guide you through the legal process.
Contact us today or call (410) 974-6000 for a free and confidential consultation to better understand your options. Your integrity deserves the backing of an experienced legal team—we are here to fight for you every step of the way.