Contact a Northwest Arkansas employment attorney if you have been terminated or retaliated against because you are a whistleblower. Whistleblower protection is an exception to the general “at-will” employment doctrine. Arkansas whistleblower protection arises out of federal law, state law, and common law public policy. Sometimes the deadlines are short for these laws, so it is important to contact a Northwest Arkansas employment attorney to determine your rights. Placzek Law Firm, PLLC represents both public sector and private sector whistleblowers.

Arkansas Common Law Whistleblower Protection

Like many states, Arkansas recognizes a public policy exception to the “at-will” employment doctrine. Essentially, this means that an employee can not be discharge in a way that violates public policy. The public policy of the state is to protect these private sector employees from discharge when they engage is certain protected activity. Although not exclusive, Arkansas generally protects employees who refuse to violate a criminal law, who report violations of the law, or exercise statutory rights and duties. If you have been retaliated against for following your moral compass please contact a Northwest Arkansas employment lawyer to find out if you would qualify for whistleblower protection.

Federal Protection

Each industry generally has unique federal statutory protections for whistleblowers. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protects employees from retaliation who complain about unsafe working conditions. The Federal False Claims Act (also know as Qui Tam actions) allows whistleblowers to sue companies and individuals that defraud the government. Most discrimination statutes such as Title VII, ADEA, FMLA, and ADA also prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers. The laws and regulations vary greatly by industry, with some complaints having legal deadlines of less than 30 days. Therefore, it is important to immediately contact a Northwest Arkansas employment lawyer sooner rather than later.

Arkansas Public Employees

The Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act prohibits a public employer from taking adverse action against a public employee who communicates in good faith to an appropriate authority the existence of waste of public funds, property, or manpower or a violation of law; participates, or gives information, in an investigation, hearing, court proceeding, legislative inquiry, or administrative review; or objects to carrying out a directive the public employee reasonably believes violates the law. If you are a public employee, contact a Northwest Arkansas employment lawyer to discuss your rights.