Being an employee to an employer or a government organization does not mean that you have to stay quiet about their wrongs, especially when breaking the law. While you may want to report their wrongdoings to authorities, you may also have fears at your end. ‘You may lose your job,’ ‘you may be blacklisted’ these types of thoughts may cross your mind. But fortunately, there is a law that protects government employees who blow the whistle on their employer. And that law is known as Texas Whistleblower Act.
What is the Texas Whistleblower Act?
The Texas whistleblower act is a law that was passed in 1983 to encourage and support employees in reporting activities committed by government organizations that are against the law. The law protects whistleblowers employed by government bodies like boards and higher education institutions.
The employers or government organizations cannot retaliate or take severe actions against you like suspension or termination. The whistleblower can get reinstated if they are suspended or fired, get recompensed for lost wages, and are also eligible to get fees from lawyers and costs of court trials. This act has a time limit for grievances.
The employee should believe that the action he/she reported to their employer was illegal and a violation of the law. Moreover, it is important to report to the right law enforcement authority. And this law enforcement body should be licensed to enforce the law and properly investigate and prosecute the law.
The report for the violation of law may not always be done to a law enforcement body. The employee can start by taking action through appeals and should start the process in less than 90 days. It is important to understand that the Texas Whistleblower act can only protect government employees and only a few exceptional private sector cases.
Rewards for whistleblowers
There’s a reward for the person who reports illegal activity that comprises fraud, embezzlement of funds or complaints about overcharging. The Texas government will award around 5% of the administrative penalty. If the government is involved, the whistleblower of a Medicaid fraud can be rewarded around 15% to 25%. And if the person who blows the whistle continues with the case without the government’s interference will be given around 25% to 30% of what is recovered. It’s a must that the person has reported goodwill and not initiates the fraud.
Should I hire a lawyer?
The laws for this act are complicated and difficult to understand. Moreover, the government organizations will most likely go against them. This is why you need an experienced and skilled lawyer who can help you get compensation and avoid further damage. If you are a government employee and are suspicious of your organization’s wrongdoing, then you should get in touch with a lawyer. Lawyers can help protect you from the retaliation shown by the organizations while keeping your interests in mind.
Final thoughts!
So if you find anything suspicious in your institution, you should fearlessly report the illegal and wrongdoings to the authorities so that they may take the appropriate action. You should rest assured that you will be protected under the Texas whistleblower act.