Seeking Compensation for Retaliation After Whistleblowing

Speaking up about illegal activity in the workplace takes courage. Unfortunately, many whistleblowers face retaliation for doing the right thing. If you’ve experienced adverse treatment after reporting wrongdoing, Virginia and federal law may entitle you to compensation. Understanding what damages are available in whistleblower retaliation cases is the first step toward justice.

James (Jamie) Shoemaker, a respected employment law attorney, has a long-standing record of advocating for whistleblowers and wrongfully terminated workers. His legal acumen has earned him honors such as a listing in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, inclusion in Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” for over a decade, and recognition as one of Virginia’s “Go-To Employment Lawyers” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. His experience makes him a formidable ally in whistleblower cases.

Types of Compensation in Retaliation Cases

Whistleblowers who face unlawful retaliation may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the nature and severity of the harm:

1. Back Pay and Lost Wages
   One of the most common types of compensation includes lost income. This covers wages, bonuses, and benefits you would have earned from the time of retaliation (such as termination or demotion) to the resolution of your case.
2. Reinstatement or Front Pay
   If you’ve been fired or forced to resign, reinstatement to your former position may be possible. If reinstatement isn’t feasible due to workplace hostility or other factors, you may be awarded front pay (compensation for future lost income).
3. Compensatory Damages
   Retaliation can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Courts may award damages for mental anguish, stress, damage to reputation, and other emotional suffering caused by the employer’s actions.
4. Punitive Damages
   In some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish employers who acted maliciously or recklessly. While these damages are not available in every case, they send a strong message against retaliation.
5. Legal Fees and Costs
   Under federal and state whistleblower laws, employers may be required to pay your attorney’s fees and related legal expenses if your case is successful.

Take Action With a Trusted Advocate

Whistleblower retaliation cases are complex. Employers often deny wrongdoing, and proving that adverse treatment was linked to your report can be difficult without strong legal guidance.

Attorney Shoemaker has the legal skill and courtroom experience needed to hold employers accountable for retaliation. If you believe you’ve been punished for reporting fraud, discrimination, safety violations, or other unlawful practices, help is available. Contact our office in Newport News, VA at 757-223-4560.