The City of Atlanta has an entire section in its municipal code relating to tree protection. Thomas Coffin used to be the Senior Arborist for the city. Then he reported that some of the arborists were not adhering to the ordinance, and found himself without a job
Mr. Coffin settled with the City of Atlanta today for $165,000 in damages, as well as attorneys fees and a consent order allowing the city to vest his pension rights. Coffin’s case is an example of whistleblowing. All too frequently, employees witness co-workers or supervisors engaged in activities that are harmful or unlawful. Reporting that activity is commonly known as whistle blowing. Frequently, those employees fear retaliation if they report what they’ve seen.
Most businesses have some form of policy stating that retaliation for whistle blowing is not tolerated, but enforcing that policy is another matter. If you have witnessed actions by coworkers or superiors that you know are against company policy or the law, you are legally entitled to protection from retaliation. Robert J. Fleming can help support you if you have been fired or otherwise subjected to retaliation for reporting something you believed to be wrong.
Robert J. Fleming has been handling wrongful death cases, dental malpractice, bus accidents, car accident cases and premises injury cases for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 20 years. He practices in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area including handling lawsuits in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, Cobb and other counties and nearby cities including Alpharetta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, Decatur, Doraville, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, and Smyrna. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident and would like discuss your case, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online.
Sources:
www.municode.com http://www.myemploymentlawyer.com/retaliation-whistleblowing-FAQs.htm http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/former-atlanta-arborist-settles-825004.html