New Jersey Whistleblower Law
Whistleblowers protected under common law “public policy” tort. New Jersey also enacted strong whistleblower protection statute. Employees must elect remedy.
Court Decisions:
- Pierce v. Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation, 417 A.2d 505 (N.J. 1980)
- Tartaglia v. UBS PaineWebber, Inc., 961 A.2d 1167 (N.J. 2008)
- Donelson v. Dupont Chambers Works, 20 A.3d 384 (N.J. 2011) (damages for mental injury)
- Winters v. North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, 50 A.3d 649 (N.J. 2012) (whistleblower claim denied based on collateral estoppel doctrine)
- D’Annunzio v. Prudential Ins. Co., 192 N.J. 110 (N.J. 2007)
Statute:
- The Conscientious Employees Protection Act, NJ Rev Stat § 34:19-1–8
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have a False Claims Act (FCA)?
Yes. New Jersey has a False Claims Act that covers a general slate of frauds, excluding tax fraud.
Does the New Jersey FCA have a whistleblower provision?
Yes. In New Jersey, a false claims whistleblower may receive an award of 15 to 25 percent of the collections in cases where the state intervenes and 25 to 30 percent in cases where there is no state intervention.
Does New Jersey recognize the public policy exception for wrongful termination?
Yes. New Jersey employers cannot fire someone for refusing to violate state policy.
