Whistleblowers & Retaliation

The term "whistleblower" was coined in 1970 to describe someone who tells the public or another authority figure that their company is engaged in some type of illegal practice. Although some look down on this alleged "snitching," it is actually in the best interests of public safety to put a stop of illegal activities and corruption in the government and in private industries. However, it is not uncommon for whistleblowers to suffer because they tried to make a difference. Companies and government agencies will do everything in their power to put a stop to people who try to tell the truth.

For example, in Dover, Delaware, four civilians were retaliated against by the Dover Air Force Base for whistleblowing. They reported that the mortuary at the base, which is responsible for Americans who have died in the war, had mislaid body parts among other failures. They four people reported these actions were suspended and almost fired. Apparently, the mortuary was not only mishandling the corpses that returned from war, but they were dumping partial remains in a Virginia landfill after they had been cremated. This scandal led to an 18-month federal investigation. However, although the Air Force said that they disciplined the supervisors at the mortuary, they were not fired. They also claimed that no retaliation was taken against the whistleblowers.

This was not enough, however, and the Office of Special Counsel said that the Air Force would have one month to take action or else they would take disciplinary action. If you were treated wrongfully by a company or by the government for doing the right thing, a West Virginia personal injury attorney could help you file a whistleblower claim. Contact a Wheeling whistleblower attorney from the team to learn more about how they could help you.