Do I need proof of wrongdoing to pursue a whistleblower case?

No. California law protects employees who report suspected misconduct in good faith, even if the conduct is ultimately not found to violate the law.

What damages can I recover in a whistleblower lawsuit?

Damages in a whistleblower lawsuit may include lost wages and benefits, future lost earnings, emotional distress damages, civil penalties, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, additional damages may be available under the False Claims Act.

How long do I have to file a whistleblower claim in California?

Many whistleblower claims must be filed within three years, but deadlines vary depending on the specific law involved. Because timelines can differ and missing a deadline can bar your claim, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Whistleblower Protection

Q: What qualifies as whistleblowing in California?

Any good-faith report of unlawful conduct may qualify as whistleblowing under California law. This includes reporting discrimination, fraud, safety violations, wage theft, harassment, or regulatory violations. You do not need to prove that your employer was breaking the law—only that you reasonably believed the conduct was unlawful.

Q: Can my employer fire me for reporting misconduct?

No. Under California Labor Code section 1102.5, it is illegal for an employer to fire or punish an employee for whistleblowing. If you were terminated or disciplined after reporting misconduct, you may have a strong retaliation claim.

California Whistleblower Protection Attorneys

Speak up safely. California law protects employees who report illegal activity, safety concerns, fraud, or workplace misconduct. If you were punished for doing the right thing, we’re here to defend your rights and hold your employer accountable.

Whether you reported discrimination, unsafe working conditions, wage theft, regulatory violations, or fraud against the government, retaliation is illegal. You don’t have to face this alone. Our team will stand by you and ensure California’s whistleblower laws work in your favor.

At Ranen Khademi PC, we represent employees across California in whistleblower and retaliation cases. As former defense attorneys, we understand how employers respond to whistleblower claims and use that insight to protect you, strengthen your case, and pursue justice on your behalf.

Examples of Illegal Whistleblower Retaliation

Employers often try to hide retaliation behind “performance issues” or sudden changes in job duties.

Common forms of illegal retaliation include:

Termination shortly after reporting misconduct
Unexplained demotions or pay cuts
Being written up for issues that were never a problem before
Loss of hours, shifts, or responsibilities
Harassment or intimidation by supervisors or coworkers
Isolation, exclusion, or hostile treatment
Forced resignation or constructive discharge

If you notice your treatment change after reporting wrongdoing, it may be retaliation even if your employer denies it.

Understand Your Rights in California: Whistleblower Protection Laws

California provides some of the strongest whistleblower protections in the country. Employers cannot fire, demote, discipline, harass, or otherwise retaliate against you for reporting unlawful or unsafe conduct. Below are the key laws that protect whistleblowers in California:

Labor Code Section 1102.5: California’s Primary Whistleblower Law
- Protects employees who report what they reasonably believe is illegal activity, whether they report internally or to a government agency.
- Illegal retaliation includes termination, demotion, pay cuts, discipline, harassment, or hostile treatment after speaking up.
Labor Code Section 98.6: Wage-Related Complaints
- Protects employees who report wage theft, unpaid overtime, denied meal or rest breaks, or other wage-and-hour violations.
FEHA Retaliation
- If you reported discrimination or harassment based on a protected characteristic (race, gender, disability, pregnancy, etc.), FEHA prohibits your employer from retaliating against you for asserting your rights.
OSHA / Workplace Safety Complaints
- Employees who report unsafe working conditions are protected from retaliation under both California OSHA and federal OSHA rules.
False Claims Act (Qui Tam / Whistleblower Lawsuits)
- If you report fraud against the government (Medicare fraud, billing fraud, government contract fraud, etc.), you may be entitled to a percentage of any recovery.

Why Choose Ranen Khademi PC

Former Defense Attorneys

We’ve worked on the other side and know how employers and their lawyers build their cases.

Strategic Insight

Our team anticipates defense tactics and builds proactive, evidence-based strategies to counter them.

Personal Attention

You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who take the time to understand your story.

Proven Results

Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts for employees across California.

Hear From Our Clients

“Working with Jeff at Ranen Khademi PC in LA was a genuinely positive experience. Although the firm is relatively new, its deep industry connections and decades of expertise rival those of larger, longer-established firms while delivering a more personalized, high-touch experience. Jeff’s extensive knowledge and network provide invaluable insights, whether you’re exploring potential legal issues or simply seeking guidance.”

“Jeff and the team at Ranen Khademi PC are the best of the best. I would highly recommend them for any employment matter, as they would be your best option to get you what you deserve. They were aggressive, very knowledgeable, transparent and beyond capable of representing me. If you want results, Jeff and team will have your back.”

“Jeff was my attorney and let me tell you that you are lucky if he takes your case. This guy is pure beastmode. I was highly selective in choosing who to partner with and right away you can tell the pro vs the amateurs. It’s really great to have someone that understands, empathizes and most importantly amplifies your voice in speaking up and fighting on your behalf. I will always be grateful for his help and I could not give a higher recommendation. Yelp only allows 5-stars max and I’d easily give him 10+.”

“During a difficult time in my life, I turned to Jeff to assist me & he took a chance on my case! This opportunity led me to meet Parisa, who played an integral role in my case's success. They communicated often with me & explained the process step by step. The support & team effort was outstanding! Everyone on the team, down to the assistant Alexandra, was pleasant & helpful. I am truly grateful to them for making such a difficult time in my life, seemingly a breeze. I would highly recommend Ranen Khademi PC for your legal matters!”

Our Process

Free Consultation

We listen to your story, discuss your concerns, and explain your rights under the law.

Case Evaluation

We thoroughly review your situation, analyze relevant facts, and determine potential claims under both California and federal law.

Negotiation or Litigation

Based on our findings, we seek a fair resolution through negotiation or prepare for trial if needed.

Support Throughout

We keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide compassionate guidance at every stage.

Contact Our California Whistleblower Protection Attorneys Today

If your employer retaliated against you for reporting illegal conduct, you deserve protection and justice.

Serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, and across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any good-faith report of unlawful conduct, including discrimination, fraud, safety violations, wage theft, harassment, or regulatory violations, may qualify. You do not have to prove your employer was breaking the law, only that you reasonably believed it.

No. Under Labor Code §1102.5, it is illegal to fire or punish an employee for whistleblowing. If you were terminated after reporting an issue, you may have a strong retaliation claim.

Damages may include:

Lost wages and benefits
Future lost earnings
Emotional distress
Civil penalties
Attorney’s fees
Possible additional damages in False Claims Act cases

Many whistleblower claims must be filed within 3 years, but timelines vary depending on the specific law violated. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.