Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Badge - Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums
Badge - New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorney
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Badge - New Jersey's Best Lawyers For Families 2018
Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers
Badge - AV Preeminent Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Client Champion Gold
Badge - Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Badge - Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers
Please click Award & Selection Criteria & Methodology for information regarding the specific criteria used for selection of each of the above awards.

Whistle-Blower Protections & Law

Workers in New Jersey who report actions that they believe are unlawful or violate public health, safety or welfare are protected from retaliation from their employers under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), otherwise known as the “Whistle-Blower Act.”

The New Jersey Supreme Court has called the State’s whistle–blower law the “most far–reaching statute” in the country. The law makes it illegal for an employer to take retaliatory action against an employee for:

  • Reporting an action he or she believes to be illegal or unethical, or unhealthy or unsafe for the public or the environment;

  • Cooperating in any investigation of such violations; or

  • Refusing to participate in activities the employee feels are unlawful, fraudulent or in violation of policies regarding the health and safety of the public or environmental protection.

Retaliatory actions can include denial of benefits or job opportunities as well as dismissal.

Employees do not have to prove that their employers actually committed an illegal or unethical activity, but they do have to show they had “reasonable belief” that such an activity occurred.

Workers who do experience retaliatory actions because they “blew the whistle” may be able to recover damages. In order for an employee to be protected under CEPA, he or she first has to report the suspected wrongdoing to a supervisor and give their employer a reasonable amount of time to correct the situation. There are exceptions to this if the employee believes that the supervisor already knows about problems or if he or she fears physical retaliation for filing the report.

CEPA has specific protections for certified or licensed health care workers who report activities, testify or refuse to carry out practices they believe would amount to poor patient care quality.

If you witness unlawful or unethical practices in the workplace and want to report them, you should be aware of the proper procedure for doing so as well as your rights under CEPA. To help you fully understand the process, you may want to seek out the services of an experienced attorney. If you have experienced retaliatory action for blowing the whistle, contact Kearns Rotolo Law. Protect your rights. Call Kearns Rotolo Law today.

What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★

I was very proud to be represented by Tony and felt secure at a time I needed a compass to head out of a difficult bind. Confidence in your counsel and a sense of security in understanding how best to proceed are important reasons to consider Anthony Kearns and his team of outstanding lawyers.

- Lynn
★★★★★

Tony was excellent! He was knowledgeable, responsive and on-time. His experience as a County Prosecutor definitely helped our case as he knows how the legal system works and how to navigate. I highly recommend Tony and his office.

- Matt
★★★★★

Thankfully I found Kearns Rotolo Law and I had a wonderful experience working with Charles Rifici on a difficult divorce/child custody issue. I am so grateful for all the work and guidance he provided. He always took his time and diligently went through all my options with me so I could make the decisions that benefitted my family and I. I will be forever thankful for the top notch services he provided.

- Cinthya
★★★★★

In March of 2022 I contacted Kearns Rotolo Law Firm with an urgent problem, Mr. Kearns and Mr. Rotolo contacted me immediately to give me hope as to rectify my problem. The end result was Mr Kearns was able to solve my issue through extreme professionalism, I am very grateful I found Kearns Rotolo Law firm and I would recommend their law firm to anyone that has a less extreme problem or a more complex problem, I am very grateful for their services.

- Bill
★★★★★

I met with Mr. Kearns yesterday about a devastating situation affecting our family. Mr. Kearns and his entire staff made us feel extremely comfortable and showed our family a compassionate side that gave us comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. Thank you very much. God Bless.

- Christian