Protecting the Rights of Employees Who Speak Up 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we understand that it takes courage to speak out against wrongdoing, especially when your livelihood is at risk. Our experienced employment law attorneys in Waco, Texas, are here to stand beside employees who report unlawful activity and suffer retaliation as a result. If you believe your employer has punished you for blowing the whistle, we’re ready to help you understand your rights and take legal action when necessary. 

 

What Is a Whistleblower Claim? 

In Texas, a whistleblower is typically an employee who reports serious illegal conduct, unsafe practices, or violations of public safety either internally or to a government agency. When that employee is retaliated against (e.g., terminated, demoted, harassed, or otherwise penalized), they may have a whistleblower retaliation claim under federal or state law. 

 

Common whistleblower issues include: 

• Reporting fraud against the government (False Claims Act) 
• Exposing workplace safety violations (OSHA) 
• Disclosing illegal discrimination or harassment 
• Reporting violations that put public health or safety at risk 
• Refusing to participate in unlawful activity 

 

Whether you work in public service, healthcare, aviation, education, or the private sector, your report could qualify for legal protection if it meets the criteria under one or more whistleblower laws. 

 

Do I Have a Whistleblower Claim? 

Whistleblower protections in Texas and under federal law can be narrow and technical, which is why it’s essential to speak with legal counsel early. At SYT, we will evaluate the facts of your case, help determine whether your report qualifies as protected activity, and guide you through the process of asserting your rights. 

 

Generally, to bring a successful whistleblower retaliation claim, you must be able to show: 

1. You reported illegal or unsafe conduct to a proper authority; 
2. Your report was made in good faith; 
3. You experienced adverse action shortly after the report; 
4. There’s a causal connection between your report and your employer’s retaliation. 

 

We frequently assist public employees in Waco and across Central Texas with retaliation claims under the Texas Whistleblower Act, and we also advise private sector employees on relevant federal laws, including OSHA, Title VII, the False Claims Act, and Sarbanes-Oxley. 

 

Public vs. Private Sector Whistleblower Claims 

Public Employees in Texas (including teachers, law enforcement, municipal workers, and employees at public universities) may be protected under the Texas Whistleblower Act, provided the report is made to a law enforcement agency. Timing is critical: you must file your claim within 90 days of the retaliation. 

 

Private Employees may have protections under federal statutes depending on the type of misconduct reported. These include: 

• OSHA for safety violations 
• Dodd-Frank Act for financial fraud 
• False Claims Act for government contract fraud 
• Title VII for reporting workplace discrimination 

 

Every statute has its own rules and deadlines, ranging from 30 days to 300 days, and sometimes longer for False Claims Act retaliation. The sooner you contact our team, the better we can preserve your rights. 

 

False Claims Act Retaliation 

One powerful federal law, the False Claims Act, allows whistleblowers to report fraud against government programs (such as Medicare, Medicaid, or federal grants). Even if the government decides not to pursue the fraud claim, the whistleblower still has the right to pursue a retaliation claim if they face adverse action for raising the concern. 

At SYT, we help Waco-area employees understand their rights under this law and can pursue damages for lost pay, job reinstatement, and even additional compensation if retaliation is proven.

 

What If I Wait Too Long? 

Statutes of limitations are strict in whistleblower cases. Waiting too long to act may permanently block your ability to recover. For some claims, the deadline is as short as 30 days from the retaliatory act. 

 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we encourage employees in Waco and Central Texas to contact us as soon as they suspect retaliation may be occurring. This allows our attorneys to thoroughly investigate the facts, preserve critical evidence, and file within the correct legal timeframe. 

 

How SYT Helps Whistleblowers in Waco 

When you choose SYT, you’re choosing a local law firm with deep roots in Waco and a proven reputation for excellence. Our employment lawyers handle complex whistleblower cases involving local governments, schools, hospitals, and businesses across McLennan County. 

 

We provide: 

• A careful, confidential case review 
• Experienced investigation and legal strategy 
• Representation before administrative agencies or in court 
• Advocacy for full compensation and legal remedies 

 

If your employer has retaliated against you for doing the right thing, you don’t have to face it alone. Let us help you protect your rights and hold your employer accountable. 

 

Contact Us Now! 

If you believe you’ve been the victim of retaliation after reporting wrongdoing, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP today. We offer confidential consultations for whistleblower claims in Waco and the surrounding Central Texas region.