Qui tam actions involve claims against businesses, corporations and individuals for submitting fraudulent and false claims for payment to federal, state, local governments or government contractors. The Federal False Claims Act is a primary weapon in combating fraud against the Federal Government. Similar statutes have been enacted in a number of States. Under the False Claims Act, individuals known as “whistleblowers” or “relators” are entitled to file suit against the wrongdoers on behalf of the federal government to recover damages on the government’s behalf. The suit is maintained in secret (“under seal”) while the government investigates the matter and decides whether to take over the case.
Should the government intervene or should the government decide against intervention and the relator prosecute the case, the whistleblower is entitled to share in the settlement or verdict and receive an award of between 15 and 30% of the recovered amount. The whistleblower is also entitled to recover if he or she suffered retaliation as a result of the whistleblowing activities.
We usually represent whistleblower clients on a contingency basis. We do not charge fees unless the whistleblower receives an award. We will treat your communications about potential legal representation as confidential regardless of whether or not you decide to engage the firm as counsel.
Please contact us if you are aware of fraud on the federal or a state government and need to retain an experienced whistleblower lawyer.