Stepping forward and saying something when there is a problem is not an easy thing to do, especially in the workplace. There is always fear of retaliation. While whistleblower laws do exist, there are those who have been fired from their jobs for exposing problems. Those in Colorado who have experienced this kind of thing may be entitled to seek compensation for any losses sustained by filing wrongful termination claims in civil court.
Fairly recently, in another state, the former operations manager for a school district filed various claims against this district after he was let go from his job. He claims that the Chief Operating Officer of the district was stealing funds, falsifying time cards and accepting improper payment from vendors — among other things. After filing this complaint, an investigation was conducted, and nothing came of it. The plaintiff was then fired soon after.
Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation. This is so more people will take the time to report problems that really do need to be addressed. The plaintiff in this case says his rights under whistleblower laws were violated. He is seeking compensation for lost wages, health and retirement benefits, and other losses associated with his firing.
Wrongful termination cases can be settled through out-of-court negotiations or litigation. In this case, the plaintiff is asking for a jury trial to start sometime in 2018. That may seem like some time away, but the truth is that wrongful termination cases do take time to put together. The investigative process needs to be extremely thorough so that nothing of importance to the case is missed. Colorado residents who are ready and willing to put in the time and effort required to get through a wrongful termination case can do so — if filing is deemed appropriate — with the assistance of an experienced wrongful termination attorney Colorado.
Source: desmoinesregister.com, “Waukee schools, COO sued for wrongful termination in whistle blower case“, Kim Norvell, Sept. 27, 2017