Empowering whistleblowers to speak up—whether exposing fraud, misconduct, or threats to public safety

There are strong legal protections for whistleblowers at both the federal and state levels. Sipio Law has extensive experience representing whistleblowers and enforcing anti-retaliation laws designed to protect those doing the right thing. While this list is not comprehensive, it reflects the most common types of whistleblowers we see. Please contact us for a consultation today.

Federal False Claims Act and State Counterparts

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that holds individuals and corporations accountable for defrauding government programs (such as Medicare). It includes a "qui tam" provision that allows private citizens, known as "relators," to file lawsuits on behalf of the government.  Whistleblowers can receive 15-25% of any recovered damages. From 1987 to 2013, the federal government recovered $38.9 billion under the FCA, with 70% coming from qui tam cases. Similar laws exist at the state level.  At Sipio Law, we can help guide whistleblowers through the legal process. If you suspect wrongdoing, reach out to us for assistance.  

SEC and CFTC Whistleblowers

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) whistleblower program, created under the Dodd-Frank Act, offers rewards to those who report violations of federal securities laws. Whistleblowers can receive 10-30% of the monetary sanctions collected, and they can report anonymously with employment protections in place.  Similarly, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has a program that incentivizes reporting of violations under the Commodity Exchange Act. Both programs prohibit retaliation by employers, offering whistleblowers protection from discharge, demotion, suspension, threats, and harassment. Employers cannot take actions to prevent whistleblowers from communicating with government agencies, even through confidentiality or arbitration agreements. Employees have two years to file a lawsuit if they face retaliation.  We can guide you through the reporting process while ensuring your rights are protected.  

IRS Whistleblower

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rewards whistleblowers who provide credible information that leads to the collection of taxes, penalties, and other amounts from tax fraud cases. If the amounts in dispute exceed $2 million, whistleblowers can receive 15-30% of the amount collected. If the case involves an individual, their annual income must exceed $200,000. Whistleblowers may appeal to the U.S. Tax Court if they disagree with the IRS’s decision.  For cases involving smaller amounts, the IRS offers discretionary awards, though there is no right to appeal.

AIR21 Complaints

The Airline Deregulation Act, also known as AIR21, provides critical protections for employees in the aviation industry who report safety violations, fraud, or other legal violations. Under AIR21, employees of air carriers and their contractors or subcontractors are shielded from retaliation when they raise concerns about violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations or engage in other protected whistleblowing activities.

If you experience adverse actions—such as termination, demotion, or harassment—after reporting these concerns, you have the right to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Our firm is experienced in navigating the complexities of AIR21 cases, and we are here to guide you through the process, from filing your complaint to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us help you protect your rights while you protect the safety of others.