The laws surrounding whistleblower protection can be confusing. One aspect of whistleblower protection is covered by the NJ False Claims Act, which allows residents in New Jersey to bring an action, against anyone, who intentionally causes the State to pay a false claim.
With regard to retaliation in the workplace for reporting illegal activities, etc., a NJ resident would be protected under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Act. The act states as follows:
New Jersey law prohibits an employer from taking any retaliatory action against an employee because the employee does any of the following:
- Discloses, or threatens to disclose, to a supervisor or to a public body an activity, policy, or practice of the employer or another employer, with whom there is a business relationship, that the employee reasonably believes is in violation of a law, or a rule or regulation issued under the law, or, in the case of an employee who is a licensed or certified health care professional, reasonably believes constitutes improper quality of patient care;
- Provides information to, or testifies before, any public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry into any violation of law, or a rule or regulation issued under the law by the employer or another employer, with whom there is a business relationship, or, in the case of an employee who is a licensed or certified health care professional, provides information to, or testifies before, any public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry into quality of patient care; or
- Objects to, or refuses to participate in, any activity, policy or practice which the employee reasonably believes:
- is in violation of a law, or a rule or regulation issued under the law, or, if the employee is a licensed or certified health care professional, constitutes improper quality of patient care;
- is fraudulent or criminal; or
- is incompatible with a clear mandate of public policy concerning the public health, safety or welfare or protection of the environment. N.J.S.A. 34:19-3
If you believe you qualify for protection under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Act for exposing corporate wrongdoing, contact our NJ office at (856) 833-0600 or fill out the case evaluation form on the left side of the page. Our intake process is private and confidential and legal action will not be taken without your explicit permission.
Related Links:
Whistleblower Protection