Hospital Whistleblowers
We may never be more vulnerable than when we are receiving treatment in a hospital. As if the initial injury or illness weren’t frightening enough, we are expecting to place our health and safety fully in the hands of people we may not even know. Experiencing neglect or abuse at the hands of hospital employees is a deeply painful and frightening experience.
Fortunately, many hospital employees are well trained, caring professionals. Even in an environment where abuse or neglect may be overlooked by management, these employees continue to provide the best care possible for their patients. A few brave employees even step forward to report the problems they see in their workplaces, whether they report it to their work superiors or to government officials.
While they deserve gratitude, all too often these hospital whistleblowers are merely punished by the people they work for. Sometimes the harassment is intended to intimidate whistleblowers into dropping their claims; sometimes the harassment is merely a punishment. Whatever the reason, it is considered illegal under employment law.
Hospital Retaliation
The tactics commonly used in hospital retaliation include:
- Consistent harassment or threats
- Unfairly negative performance evaluations
- Wrongful termination
- Demotion or refusal to promote
Texas state law makes it illegal for hospitals to retaliate against whistleblowers. If you are experiencing this unfair harassment, you do not have to accept it. You can end it, but you must be prepared for a possibly long legal struggle.
Contact an Austin Employment Lawyer Today
Speak with a knowledgeable Austin hospital retaliation attorney about your case today.