As the employment landscape in 2025 continues to value accountability and ethical conduct, the law has placed more protections on whistleblowing—a critical component of a transparency-focused workforce. You have the right to report wrongdoing, so if someone attempts to prevent you from doing what is right, let our Marlton whistleblower lawyers at Burnham Douglass help you.
What Is the Legal Definition of Whistleblowing?
New Jersey law defines whistleblowing as an employee’s decision to report illegal activity, corruption, fraud, waste, or other unlawful actions in their workplace. Whistleblowers serve as vital watchdogs, and their reports have become more prominent. In fact, reports from whistleblowers in New Jersey increased by 27% between 2023 and 2024.
Whistleblowers can report numerous forms of workplace misconduct, including fraud against government entities, financial fraud or securities violations, healthcare fraud and abuse, environmental violations, safety violations, discrimination or harassment cases, corruption within organizations, misappropriation of company funds, and violations of federal or state laws.
What Protections Do Whistleblowers Have?
Both federal and state laws help protect whistleblowers by prohibiting employers from retaliating because of reports to supervisors or management personnel, refusal to participate in illegal activities, testimony during investigations or legal proceedings, and complaints to relevant government agencies.
Retaliation can look like employment termination, job demotion, pay cuts or reduced hours, unwarranted negative performance evaluations, transfers to undesirable positions, workplace harassment, and industry blacklisting.
How Should You Document Whistleblower Concerns?
When preparing to report workplace misconduct, make sure to thoroughly document the following to protect yourself:
- Comprehensive records of observed misconduct with dates, times, and witnesses.
- Records of precisely when, how, and to whom you reported issues.
- All communications related to the matter.
- Any treatment changes following your reporting of activity.
- Copies of your performance evaluations from before and after reporting.
What Financial Incentives Exist for Whistleblowers?
Whistleblowers may receive financial awards under certain circumstances. For instance, the New Jersey False Claims Act allows whistleblowers who report government fraud through “qui tam” lawsuits to receive 15–30% of the recovered funds. Similar provisions apply under federal laws that address securities fraud, tax fraud, and related areas.
In 2024, New Jersey whistleblowers received average awards of $321,000 in successful qui tam claims, a 17% increase from 2023.
Why Should You Contact a Whistleblower Lawyer?
If you consult with a seasoned employment lawyer before you engage in whistleblowing, your lawyer can help you understand your specific rights and protections applicable to your situation, formulate a strategic approach, document your concerns, navigate the complex internal reporting procedures, submit properly constructed complaints, and protect you from retaliation.
Individuals who consult with lawyers before whistleblowing achieve, on average, 30% more success in their cases compared to those who forego legal counsel. The Marlton whistleblower lawyers at Burnham Douglass have built a strong reputation for providing reliable, thorough, and informed representation to New Jersey employees. We can help you safeguard your rights if you need to report workplace misconduct.
Find Legal Guidance and Support With Workplace Issues From the Marlton Whistleblower Lawyers at Burnham Douglass
Contact the Marlton whistleblower lawyers at Burnham Douglass to discuss your whistleblower concerns and discover how we can help you defend your rights and employment interests. Call us today at 856-751-5505 or contact us online for a free consultation. With office locations in Marlton and Northfield, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Marlton, Evesham Township, Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Northfield, and Atlantic City.