The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently reinstated a whistleblower claim filed by a former employee of United Airlines who claims he was fired after repeatedly issuing complaints about the company’s failure to properly conduct repairs on U.S. Air Force cargo planes.

A judge in district court had dismissed the retaliation claim, but on appeal, the Fourth Circuit allowed the retaliation claim to move forward. The higher court stated there was sufficient evidence to indicate the company did retaliate against David Grant, the whistleblower in the case.

Inaccurate paperwork at issue

Grant worked for United Airlines from 2008 to 2014 at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. He served as an aviation maintenance technician tasked with maintaining engines for the local fleet of cargo planes at the base.

In the lawsuit, Grant recalls observations that some of his superiors at United Airlines “pencil-whipped” through reports that indicated maintenance work was done when it had not actually been completed. He also alleges United Airlines workers used improper tools for the repair jobs, and that some maintenance was performed by workers who did not complete the required training and eye exercises.

Grant says he was fired after complaining once again to his superiors in May 2014. He filed his claim the following February.

There are numerous federal protections for whistleblowers who go through the proper processes to report wrongdoing on the part of their employers. If you are interested in learning more about the legal options available, consult an experienced whistleblower lawyer at Kardell Law Group today.