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Do you have mixed feelings about being a whistleblower?

On Behalf of | Sep 17, 2019 | Whistleblowers |

You may have always considered yourself someone who would stand up for what is right. You always felt heated when you saw someone mistreating another person or discovered that someone was abusing his or her power. While the actions you had to take to stand up in the past may have been relatively simple, such as sticking up for a friend, you may need to take more serious action now that you believe that your employer is committing unethical or illegal acts.

When it comes to reporting the wrongdoing of employers and companies, many people feel hesitant to come forward. You likely know that if you file a report, others may deem you a whistleblower, and you may have concerns about what that could mean for you and your future.

Is being a whistleblower bad?

Whistleblowers are often met with mixed opinions. Some individuals believe that they are in the right because they help uncover wrongdoing that could potentially defraud the government or harm the public. Others, however, feel that whistleblowers are disloyal to their employers or are only seeking attention. Even individuals who make the report may feel unhappy about being a whistleblower due to the potential for facing retaliation for their complaints.

Though such mixed opinions do exist, you could help stop wrongdoing that could cause substantial problems if you file a report about the unethical or illegal actions of which you are aware of.

Can you remain anonymous?

You may think that you have a better chance of avoiding retaliation or other repercussions by filing a report anonymously. While the personnel or agency to which you make the report may maintain a certain amount of confidentiality, it is not a guarantee. For instance, if your report results in the need for legal action against your employer or the company, the prosecution may need to reveal your identity.

Additionally, if you do face retaliation from your employer for blowing the whistle, you would need to show that your employer knew that you were the person who filed the report and treated you unfairly as a result. If you attempt to maintain your anonymity, proving this element may be more difficult.

Learn more about your options

If you believe that you need to take action to bring wrongdoing to light, you may want to explore your best options for doing so. It may work in your best interests to discuss your concerns with a Pennsylvania attorney who has experience handling such cases.