Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Whistleblower Lawyer in Texas: Your Guide to Protection and Legal Action

Blowing the whistle on workplace misconduct or illegal activity is one of the most courageous—and risky—steps an employee can take. Whether you’re reporting fraud, discrimination, retaliation, or government contract violations, doing the right thing can sometimes put your job, reputation, or even your safety at risk.

That’s where a whistleblower lawyer in Texas comes in. At The Lange Firm, we provide strategic, compassionate legal support to employees who expose wrongdoing. We help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and protect yourself from retaliation.

If you’re considering blowing the whistle in Texas, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is someone—often an employee—who reports illegal, unethical, or dangerous activities occurring in the workplace. This may include:

• Government fraud

• Corporate misconduct

• Healthcare billing fraud

• Safety violations

• Discrimination or harassment

• Environmental violations

• Securities fraud

Whistleblowers play a vital role in holding organizations accountable and protecting the public. In return, federal and Texas law provides various legal protections and sometimes financial rewards for those who come forward.

When Do You Need a Whistleblower Lawyer?

You should contact a whistleblower attorney before or soon after reporting any misconduct if:

• You fear retaliation (termination, demotion, harassment)

• You’re unsure how to report properly under state or federal law

• You want to file a Qui Tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act

• Your employer has already retaliated against you

• You’re being pressured to stay silent

A lawyer can help preserve your rights, protect your job, and potentially help you recover compensation or reinstatement if retaliation occurs.

Key Whistleblower Laws in Texas

Several state and federal laws protect whistleblowers. The right one for your case depends on your employer, the type of wrongdoing, and whether public funds are involved.

1. Texas Whistleblower Act (Public Employees Only)

This law protects government employees (state, county, city) who report violations of law to an appropriate law enforcement authority. It prohibits employers from retaliating against whistleblowers and provides remedies like:

• Reinstatement

• Lost wages

• Attorney’s fees

Important: The law does not apply to private-sector workers. Public employees must also meet strict deadlines, including filing a grievance with the employer within 90 days of the retaliatory act.

2. False Claims Act (Federal and Texas)

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) allows individuals to file lawsuits (called Qui Tam actions) on behalf of the government against companies committing fraud—often involving Medicare, Medicaid, or government contracts.

Whistleblowers may be eligible for a reward of 15–30% of any money the government recovers.

Texas has a state version of this law (the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act) for cases involving state health programs.

3. OSHA and Workplace Safety Whistleblower Protections

Under OSHA Section 11(c) and related statutes, employees who report unsafe working conditions or safety violations cannot be retaliated against. OSHA also oversees retaliation claims under other laws like:

• Clean Air Act

• Sarbanes-Oxley Act

• Consumer Product Safety Act

Each has its own reporting rules and deadlines.

4. Title VII and Anti-Discrimination Laws

Employees who report illegal discrimination, harassment, or wage violations are protected under federal laws like:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

These protections apply before and after an employee files a formal charge.

5. Dodd-Frank and SEC Whistleblower Program

Employees who report securities fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may qualify for protection and a financial reward if enforcement results in monetary sanctions exceeding $1 million.

What Protections Do Whistleblowers Have?

Whether under state or federal law, whistleblower protections usually include:

• Protection from retaliation, such as firing, demotion, harassment, or threats

• Right to reinstatement

• Compensation for lost wages and benefits

• Attorneys’ fees and costs

• In some cases, financial awards

However, these protections are only guaranteed if you follow proper procedures and report to the right agency or authority.

Common Examples of Whistleblower Cases in Texas

Here are some examples of whistleblower situations we often see at The Lange Firm:

• A state employee reports that public funds are being misused by a supervisor.

• A healthcare worker reports fraudulent Medicaid billing under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act.

• An oilfield worker reports unsafe working conditions and is terminated in retaliation.

• A financial analyst alerts the SEC to insider trading and becomes the target of retaliation.

• A retail employee complains about wage theft or off-the-clock work and is demoted.

Each of these scenarios is different—and each requires a different legal strategy.

How a Texas Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help

Blowing the whistle is not as simple as reporting something and hoping for the best. If you make a misstep, you could lose your job or your legal protections.

An experienced whistleblower lawyer at The Lange Firm can help you:

• Evaluate your claim and determine which laws apply

• Report the misconduct to the appropriate agency

• File a Qui Tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act, if appropriate

• Document retaliation and gather evidence

• Negotiate a severance or settlement

• File a lawsuit for wrongful termination or other damages

We will also assess whether you are eligible for whistleblower compensation, either through federal reward programs or a successful legal claim.

Deadlines Are Critical in Whistleblower Cases

Many whistleblower laws have short deadlines, some as little as 30 to 90 days from the date of retaliation. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your rights completely.

Here’s a quick overview:

Because these timelines vary, contacting a lawyer early is essential to protecting your claim.

Confidentiality and Anonymity in Whistleblower Cases

In some whistleblower programs, like SEC or IRS reward claims, you may report anonymously through an attorney. Other claims may require you to identify yourself, especially if retaliation has already occurred.

At The Lange Firm, we take confidentiality seriously. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide whether—and how—to proceed based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Can You Be Fired for Being a Whistleblower in Texas?

Texas is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees for almost any reason. However, they cannot fire you in retaliation for reporting unlawful behavior that is protected by state or federal law.

If your employer fires or disciplines you in retaliation, you may be entitled to:

• Reinstatement

• Back pay

• Compensatory damages (emotional distress, reputational harm)

• Punitive damages in egregious cases

What If You’re Just Thinking About Blowing the Whistle?

Even if you haven’t reported anything yet, speaking to a lawyer before you act can be a smart move. We can:

• Help you prepare a protected report or complaint

• Identify the right legal channels

• Advise on how to preserve evidence

• Warn you about tactics employers might use to discredit you

Too often, employees lose their chance at protection because they took the wrong step. Don’t let that happen to you.

Why Choose The Lange Firm?

At The Lange Firm, we believe in standing up for what’s right—and protecting those who do the same. We understand the emotional and financial risks involved in blowing the whistle. That’s why we:

• Offer strategic, no-nonsense legal advice

• Handle both retaliation claims and whistleblower reward cases

• Represent public and private sector employees across Texas

• Know how to manage sensitive, high-stakes matters discreetly

If you’ve witnessed fraud or misconduct, we’re here to help you do the right thing—safely and lawfully.

Final Thoughts

Whistleblowing can expose corruption, protect public safety, and recover millions of dollars for taxpayers—but it’s not without risk. If you’re considering reporting wrongdoing or have already experienced retaliation, a skilled whistleblower lawyer in Texas can be your strongest ally.

Don’t go it alone. Contact The Lange Firm today to discuss your situation and protect your future.