Central Coast Whistleblower Retaliation Attorney
Top Whistleblower Retaliation Attorney on the Central Coast:
Protecting Those Who Speak Up
Being a whistleblower takes courage. When you stand up against illegal, unsafe, or unethical practices in the workplace, you’re not only protecting yourself—you’re helping to create safer conditions and ensure accountability. But speaking up isn’t always easy, and many workers fear retaliation from their employers. Unfortunately, retaliation happens far too often. The good news? California has some of the strongest whistleblower protections in the country, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
I’m John McCarthy. I help whistleblowers in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister, Salinas, Monterey, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara stand up for their rights and fight back against retaliation. Whether you reported workplace discrimination, unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or healthcare violations, I’ll make sure you’re protected—and compensated if your employer retaliates.
What is Whistleblower Retaliation?
Whistleblower retaliation happens when an employer punishes an employee for reporting illegal, unethical, or unsafe activities in the workplace. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
Firing or demotion
Cutting hours or pay
Harassment or bullying
Reassigning you to undesirable tasks or shifts
Blacklisting you from future opportunities
Negative performance reviews after you spoke out
These actions aren’t just unfair—they’re illegal under California and federal law. If you’ve experienced retaliation for reporting a violation, you have rights, and we’re here to help you enforce them.
Key Whistleblower Protections in California
California’s laws offer some of the strongest protections for whistleblowers in the country. Here’s an overview of the main laws designed to protect employees who speak out about violations, misconduct, or unsafe conditions.
Labor Code Section 1102.5: General Whistleblower Protection
Labor Code Section 1102.5 is California’s most powerful whistleblower protection law. It protects employees who report violations of state or federal laws, rules, or regulations. This protection applies whether you report the violation internally (within your company) or externally (to a government agency).
Under this law:
Your employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting illegal conduct, regardless of whether the violation is related to your specific job duties.
You don’t need to be right about the violation—if you had a reasonable belief that something was illegal and reported it, you’re still protected.
If you’ve been punished or fired for blowing the whistle, Labor Code 1102.5 allows you to recover lost wages, damages, and even emotional distress compensation. We’ll help you build your case and get the justice you deserve.
FEHA Retaliation: Fighting Workplace Discrimination
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, and more. It also protects employees from retaliation when they report discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
If you:
Reported harassment or discrimination to HR
Filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) (formerly DFEH)
Participated in an investigation into workplace misconduct
… and your employer retaliated against you, you may have a claim under FEHA retaliation laws. Whether your job performance was suddenly questioned, your hours were cut, or you were terminated after filing a complaint, FEHA protects your right to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
OSHA Retaliation: Protecting Workplace Safety Whistleblowers
If you reported unsafe working conditions and your employer retaliated, California OSHA (Cal/OSHA) laws protect you. Employees in all industries—from agriculture in Watsonville to hospitality in Monterey—have the right to report safety violations without fear of punishment.
Cal/OSHA retaliation laws cover a wide range of safety concerns, including:
Unsafe machinery or equipment
Hazardous chemicals without proper protective gear
Lack of training on workplace safety protocols
Health risks, including exposure to COVID-19 or other illnesses
If your employer retaliates after you report unsafe conditions—by firing you, demoting you, or making your work environment hostile—you have a right to compensation and reinstatement. We’ll fight to hold your employer accountable and protect your safety and your livelihood.
DLSE Retaliation: Reporting Wage Theft and Labor Violations
The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) protects workers who report wage and labor violations. Whether you reported unpaid wages, overtime violations, or denied meal breaks, the law prohibits your employer from retaliating against you for standing up for your rights.
DLSE retaliation cases often involve:
Reporting wage theft, including minimum wage violations
Filing complaints about unpaid overtime or missed meal/rest breaks
Reporting violations of payday or pay period laws
If your employer punishes you for filing a wage complaint, we can help you file a retaliation claim with the DLSE or pursue a lawsuit to recover lost wages, penalties, and damages.
Health and Safety Code Section 1278.5: Protecting Healthcare Whistleblowers
Health and Safety Code Section 1278.5 provides special protections for healthcare workers who report unsafe patient care or violations within healthcare facilities. If you’re a nurse, doctor, or healthcare professional in Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, or anywhere else in California this law protects you from retaliation if you speak out about patient care concerns.
Examples include:
Reporting unsafe staffing levels
Raising concerns about patient neglect or abuse
Reporting violations of state health codes
If you’ve been retaliated against for advocating for patient safety or reporting violations, Section 1278.5 allows you to recover damages, including lost wages and penalties. Healthcare workers should never have to fear for their jobs when doing the right thing—we’re here to fight for you.
What Retaliation Looks Like in Central Coast Workplaces
I’ve seen retaliation take many forms across the Central Coast, from hospital workers in Santa Maria who are targeted after reporting unsafe practices to agriculture workers in Salinas whose hours are cut after speaking up about wage violations. Retaliation isn’t always obvious—it can be subtle and gradual, designed to make you feel isolated or force you to quit.
Some common forms of retaliation include:
Sudden negative performance reviews after reporting an issue
Reduced hours or pay cuts
Unfavorable shift assignments or job reassignments
Exclusion from meetings or team activities
Harassment or bullying by supervisors or co-workers
If you’ve noticed your treatment at work change after reporting an issue, you may be experiencing retaliation—and you have the right to take action.
Your Legal Options After Retaliation: How We Help
If you’ve experienced retaliation after blowing the whistle, you don’t have to go through this alone. I’ll help you:
Understand your rights under California’s whistleblower laws.
Gather evidence to support your case, including emails, text messages, performance reviews, or witness statements.
File a retaliation claim with the appropriate agency, such as the DLSE, Cal/OSHA, or the CRD.
Negotiate with your employer to recover lost wages, penalties, and damages—or take your case to court if necessary.
I’ve helped employees across industries—from tech workers in Santa Cruz to farmworkers in Watsonville—hold employers accountable for retaliation. We’re ready to fight for you, too.
We Understand the Stakes—And We’re Here to Help
I know how stressful it can be to speak out about workplace misconduct. You shouldn’t have to choose between doing the right thing and keeping your job. I’m here to empower whistleblowers across the Central Coast and make sure employers are held accountable when they break the law.
You’ve done the brave thing by reporting a problem. Now, let us do the hard work of protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
Local Knowledge: We know the unique challenges faced by workers in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Paso Robles, and beyond.
Compassionate Counsel: We understand the emotional toll retaliation takes—and we’re here to provide the support you need.
Experienced Advocacy: We’ve helped clients take on employers of all sizes, from local businesses to large corporations, throughout the Central Coast, California, and the United States.
Direct Communication: You’ll work directly with me—no getting passed off to paralegals or junior attorneys.
Contact Us Today: Let’s Stand Up to Retaliation Together
If you’ve experienced retaliation after blowing the whistle, don’t wait to reach out. Retaliation claims have strict deadlines, and the sooner we act, the better.
It starts with getting your free case evaluation. If I think we can help, we’ll get you scheduled for a free consultation, and if we can take your case, we’ll get to work immediately. If we can’t help, I’ll point you in the right direction. Your courage deserves to be rewarded, not punished—and we’ll fight to make that happen.
It all starts with your free case evaluation. Let’s start building your case. Your bravery shouldn’t cost you your job or your peace of mind, and we’ll make sure your employer faces the consequences if they’ve retaliated against you. Whether you’re in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Watsonville, or Hollister, we’re here to protect you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whistleblower Retaliation in California
How do I know if I have a whistleblower retaliation case?
If you reported or complained about illegal, unsafe, or unethical behavior, and your employer treated you differently afterward (such as firing you, cutting your hours, or harassing you), you might have a retaliation claim. Even subtle changes in how you’re treated—like exclusion from meetings or sudden negative performance reviews—can qualify as retaliation. If you’re unsure, contact us for a free case evaluation, and we’ll help you evaluate your situation.
Do I need to report to a government agency to be protected as a whistleblower?
No. California law protects employees who report violations internally to supervisors or externally to agencies like Cal/OSHA, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), or the DLSE. Whether you made the report in writing or verbally, your employer is not allowed to retaliate against you for raising concerns.
What if I didn’t know the violation I reported wasn’t illegal?
As long as you had a reasonable belief that the conduct was illegal, you are protected under California whistleblower laws. You don’t have to be 100% correct about the law—your good faith effort to report wrongdoing is enough to qualify for protection.
What compensation can I recover in a whistleblower retaliation case?
If you win your case, you could recover:
Lost wages and benefits (including back pay)
Emotional distress compensation
Penalties and damages
Reinstatement to your previous position if desired
Attorneys' fees and court costs
In some cases, whistleblowers can recover punitive damages to punish the employer for egregious misconduct.
Is there a deadline to file a whistleblower retaliation claim?
Yes, there are strict time limits for filing retaliation claims in California. The deadlines vary based on the type of claim:
FEHA retaliation: 3 years from the date of the retaliation.
OSHA retaliation: 1 year from the retaliatory act.
DLSE wage-related retaliation: 6 months to file a complaint.
Labor Code 1102.5: 3 years to bring a lawsuit.
Because the timelines can vary depending on your case, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact us as soon as possible so we can preserve your claim.
Your Courage Deserves Legal Protection—Let Us Help
I know it takes incredible courage to speak out. I’ve seen how hard employers fight back against whistleblowers, but we also know the law is on your side. Whether you’re reporting workplace safety violations in Monterey, wage theft in Salinas, or discrimination in Santa Barbara, we’ll stand with you every step of the way.
We understand the emotional and financial toll that retaliation can take, and we’re committed to helping you regain control and hold your employer accountable. You shouldn’t have to suffer for doing the right thing, and with our help, you won’t have to.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you believe you’ve been retaliated against for speaking out, don’t wait to get help. We offer free consultations, take cases on contingency fee, and everything you share will remain confidential. There’s no obligation to move forward, and if we take your case, we’ll work hard to recover everything you’re owed.
Get your free case evaluation today and let’s start building your case. You did the right thing by speaking up—now let us do the right thing by helping you fight back. We’ll protect your rights, restore your peace of mind, and make sure your employer is held accountable.
I’m proud to represent whistleblowers across the Central Coast, from Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara and everywhere in between and beyond. Get your free case evaluation today and let’s make sure your voice is heard—and your rights are protected.