California Whistleblower Laws

California Whistleblower Laws: Protecting Employees Who Speak Out

At Nasseri Legal, we stand up for employees who face retaliation after reporting illegal, unethical, or unsafe conduct in the workplace. California offers some of the strongest whistleblower protections in the nation—designed to empower workers to speak up without fear of losing their jobs or facing punishment.

What Is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is an employee who reports misconduct such as:

  • Violations of law

  • Fraud or misuse of funds

  • Unsafe working conditions

  • Discrimination or harassment

  • Other unlawful employer practices

California law protects these individuals when they report to a supervisor, government agency, or regulatory body.

Key Whistleblower Protection Laws in California

✔️ Labor Code Section 1102.5

Protects employees who report violations of laws or regulations, or who refuse to participate in illegal activities.

✔️ California False Claims Act (CFCA)

Protects workers who expose fraud against government entities and allows them to receive a share of recovered funds in successful claims.

✔️ OSHA & Cal/OSHA Protections

Ensures safety whistleblowers are protected when reporting unsafe work conditions to OSHA or Cal/OSHA.

✔️ Qui Tam Lawsuits

Allows whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the government for fraud—and share in the financial recovery if successful.

Examples of Employer Retaliation

If you’ve experienced any of the following after reporting misconduct, you may have a whistleblower retaliation claim:

  • Wrongful termination

  • Demotion or denial of promotion

  • Pay cuts or loss of benefits

  • Harassment or workplace intimidation

  • Unjust disciplinary actions

What Should You Do if Retaliated Against?

  • Document Everything – Keep emails, memos, and records of your report and any retaliation.

  • Report Internally – Use HR or internal channels if available.

  • Consult an Attorney – Know your rights and explore your legal options with a trusted employment lawyer.

How Nasseri Legal Can Help

  • Our legal team has extensive experience in whistleblower protection cases. We’ll help you:

    • Build a strong retaliation claim

    • Pursue compensation for lost wages and emotional distress

    • Hold your employer accountable

    • Guide you through every step with clear, compassionate legal support