Minnesota Whistleblower Attorneys

Providing Whistleblower Protection in Minneapolis, MN

There are many state and federal laws that protect employees who "blow the whistle" on illegal activity. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who engage in "protected conduct" under these laws. There are many types of whistleblower laws, and these laws vary in their details, so consulting with an experienced lawyer is crucial if you think you may have been retaliated against.

The Law Protects Whistleblowers

The Minnesota Whistleblower Act protects employees who report actual or suspected violations of law to a government agency or their employer or refuse to perform an employer’s order that violates the law and suffer retaliation as a result.

There are a number of other statutes that provide protections and even offer rewards to whistleblowers. You do not necessarily need to be an employee to have a whistleblower claim—current employees, former employees, and others may also be protected. For example, if you report possible government fraud, mishandling of toxic substances, violations of tax or securities laws, discrimination in education, or failure to provide access to public facilities, whistleblower protection may be available. In some cases, the law may even reward you for blowing the whistle against entities that engage in these types of violations.

If you believe you have a whistleblower claim or would simply like more information, please contact our Minnesota whistleblower lawyers.

Types of Whistleblower Cases in Minnesota

Whistleblower claims cover a variety of legal violations, including:

• Corporate Fraud – Reporting financial misconduct, insider trading, or fraudulent financial statements.
• Healthcare Fraud – Reporting Medicare/Medicaid fraud, fraudulent billing practices, or kickback schemes.
• Government Contract Fraud – Exposing overbilling, false claims, or misuse of government funds.
• Securities Fraud – SEC whistleblowers can report stock manipulation, Ponzi schemes, and accounting fraud.
• Tax Fraud – Reporting companies or individuals who engage in tax evasion or falsify tax records.
• Environmental Law Violations – Whistleblowers may report illegal dumping, emissions violations, or other environmental hazards.

Federal vs. Minnesota State Whistleblower Laws

While Minnesota has strong state protections under the Minnesota Whistleblower Act, federal laws also protect whistleblowers, including:

• The False Claims Act – Allows whistleblowers to file qui tam lawsuits if they expose fraud against the government.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Protects corporate whistleblowers in publicly traded companies.
• Dodd-Frank Act – Offers protections and financial rewards for reporting securities violations.
• Whistleblower Protection Act – Protects federal employees who expose government misconduct.

Understanding the differences between these laws is essential to determining the best legal strategy for your case.

Qui Tam Lawsuits & Whistleblower Rewards

Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can file qui tam lawsuits, which allow private citizens to sue on behalf of the government when they uncover fraud. Successful cases may result in whistleblowers receiving a percentage of the recovered funds, often between 15-30%.

Common Employer Retaliation Tactics

Employers may attempt to retaliate against whistleblowers in various ways, including:

• Termination or wrongful discharge
• Demotions or reduced hours
• Harassment or intimidation
• Negative performance evaluations
• Blacklisting within the industry

How to Prove a Minnesota Whistleblower Retaliation Claim

To build a strong whistleblower case in Minnesota, you will need:

• Documentation – Emails, internal complaints, or written evidence of your report.
• Witness Statements – Colleagues or others who can support your claim.
• Timing Evidence – Proof that your protected activity was followed by retaliation.

Statute of Limitations & Deadlines in Minnesota

Different whistleblower laws have different deadlines for filing claims. For example:

• Minnesota Whistleblower Act – Generally, a lawsuit must be filed within six years.
• False Claims Act (Qui Tam cases) – Federal claims typically have a six-year limit, but certain cases may allow up to ten years.
• SEC & IRS Whistleblower Programs – The timeline varies, but acting quickly is essential to qualify for rewards and protections.

Steps to Take if You Are Retaliated Against

• Document everything – Keep records of employer actions, conversations, and emails.
• File an internal complaint – Report retaliation within your company if possible.
• Seek legal counsel – Contact a whistleblower attorney to understand your rights and next steps.
• File a legal claim – Depending on your case, this may be with a federal agency, a state agency, or in court.

FAQs About Whistleblower Protections in MN

Can I remain anonymous?

Some laws, such as SEC and IRS whistleblower programs, allow for anonymity.

Do I need proof before reporting?

Strong evidence helps but is not always required to make an initial report.

Are whistleblower protections the same for public and private employees?

Protections vary depending on the industry and applicable laws.

Why Choose Our Minneapolis Whistleblower Attorneys?

Our Minnesota employment firm has extensive experience handling whistleblower claims, helping clients navigate complex legal processes, and securing financial compensation. We are dedicated to protecting employees from retaliation and ensuring justice is served.

If you have witnessed illegal activity and fear retaliation, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Call (877) 344-4628 or schedule your free consultation online to discuss your employment case.