Whistleblower Protection and Qui Tam Suits Attorney Chicago
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If you have reason to believe that your employer is defrauding the government, you can come forward as a whistleblower and are entitled to part of the money that the government is able to recover. Under the Illinois Whistleblower Act, an employer may not prevent an employee from disclosing information about violations of state law to the government, or punish employees who do so. If you have been retaliated against for refusing to engage in activity that would violate state law, or threatened into doing so, you may be eligible for compensation.
In 2012, a former of UBS was awarded $104 million from the IRS for coming forward and revealing information about the company’s actions that result in an investigation into fraud. The instances of tax evasion that were occurring led to UBS receiving a large fine, and the former employee receiving his large payout.
Cases such as these occur much more often than you may know, and could even be occurring within your own company. Our firm can help you obtain the cash reward you are entitled to and protect you from retaliation from your employer. Dean Caras and his associates have numerous years of experience handling whislteblower cases, and will work hard to ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves. For more information on whistleblower protection services and your rights as an employee, contact Caras Law Group today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Verdict Obtained by Caras Law Group
Publication: Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter
CIVIL RIGHTS
RETALIATORY DISCHARGE FOR FILING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM
Danny Smith v Bally Total Fitness 04L-5407 Tried Feb. 6-10, 2006
Verdict: $1,665,121
$165,121 compensatory damages ($65,121 lost wages; $100,000 emotional distress), $1,500,000 punitive damages.
Special Interrogatory: Was plaintiff discharged in retaliation for exercising his rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act? “Yes.” Judge: Barbara A. McDonald (IL Cook-Law) Pltf Atty(s): Dean J. Caras of Dean J. Caras & Associates.
DEMAND: $225,000 ASKED: $2,665,121 Deft Atty(s): Allen P. Walker and Kathryn M. Woodward of Green & Letts OFFER: $50,000
Plaintiff M-43, formerly employed as a maintenance mechanic at Bally Total Fitness in Calumet City, contended he was fired by deft Bally on Jan. 20, 2004, in retaliation for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim ($65,121 LT 20 months). Plaintiff testified that the Regional Maintenance Director told him the reason for his termination was that his injury was costing the company too much money. PM also testified he was terminated the day before his scheduled surgery for the work injury. Defense argued that plaintiff was fired for violation of company policy (theft and fraud) and denied he was terminated for filing a camp claw. Court barred evidence of future lost wages and future emotional distress.
Sexual Harassment/Retaliatory Discharge: $450,000 for a 41 year old woman that was fired in retaliation of her reporting sexual harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her settlement included 2.5 years of lost wages, emotional distress, and damage to her reputation.
Whistleblower/Retaliatory Discharge: $175,000 for a 36 year old health club employee who was terminated in retaliation for filing a workmen’s compensation claim. We were able to prove through emails that the employer fired the employee in retaliation for her getting injured on the job and filing a claim with the Illinois Industrial Commission to pursue compensation for her work injuries.
