The summaries below explain federal and Minnesota employment laws in everyday language. They are general information only, not legal advice. Every situation is different. If you believe your rights have been violated, talk to an employment attorney about the facts of your case.
Employees who report fraud or illegal conduct are protected by several laws.
Minnesota False Claims Act. This state law rewards whistleblowers who expose false claims made to state or local governments. Whistleblowers can bring a lawsuit on the government's behalf and share in the recovery. The law also protects employees from retaliation. An employer who retaliates can be ordered to reinstate the employee and pay twice the amount of lost compensation, plus interest, special damages, and in some cases punitive damages.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). This federal law protects employees of publicly traded companies who report what they reasonably believe is securities fraud, shareholder fraud, or violations of SEC rules — whether to federal agencies, Congress, or their own supervisors. You are protected even if your belief turns out to be mistaken, as long as it was reasonable. Claims must first be filed with OSHA within 180 days. Successful employees are entitled to be made whole: reinstatement, back pay, special damages, attorney's fees, and in many courts, damages for emotional distress and harm to reputation.
Federal False Claims Act. This law lets private individuals sue on the government's behalf over fraud against the federal government, and it protects employees from retaliation for whistleblowing activity. Like SOX, it protects employees who act on a good-faith, reasonable belief that fraud occurred, even if they turn out to be wrong. Retaliation claims must be brought within three years.
Whistleblower Protection Act. This law protects federal government employees who report illegal conduct, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or substantial dangers to health and safety.
These summaries reflect the law as described in current legal reference materials and are provided for general education. Laws change, deadlines are strict, and small facts can make a big difference. If you have questions about your specific situation, begin a free case evaluation to discuss your situation.