16.4M
trucking accident verdict
14.5M
medical malpractice verdict
10M
motorcycle accident settlement
5.2M
asbestos product liability verdict
4.2M
traumatic brain injury from industrial accident
4M
quadriplegia from trucking accident
It is estimated that the financial losses due to fraudulent claims are in the tens of billions of dollars each year in the healthcare sector alone. Anytime a company or business acts in a way that is “defrauding” the federal government it costs tax payers. The government depends on “whistleblowers” to help fight fraud and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars. When an individual (often an employee) brings a law suit on behalf of the government against a defrauding party it is called a “qui tam claim.” These claims are generally brought under the False Claims Act which provides whistleblowers an avenue to work with the government to bring a claim and to recieve a financial reward for their efforts and honesty. The whistleblower could ultimately receive a percentage of the compensation recovered and attorney’s fees. Qui tam claims are unique in that there is the possibility of “treble” damages. This means that damages could be tripled. The False Claims Act also provides whistleblowers with protections against retaliation.
At Elegal, we provide experienced qui tam representation to clients throughout Utah and the intermountain west. We highly recommend that you immediately seek legal representation in order to learn more about False Claims Act law cases. It is important to keep in mind that your employer cannot retaliate against you for making a qui tam claim and there are laws that protect you. Talk to one of our Salt Lake City qui tam litigation lawyers today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have information about fraudulent actions which you believe are defrauding the government, seek legal counsel immediately. Contact Elegal to schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential qui tam claim and how our law firm can help you at 801.679.4510.
The Federal False Claims Act makes it unlawful for any person or entity to knowingly submit a false or fraudulent claim to the government, knowingly make a false record or statement to get a false or fraudulent claim paid by the government, or knowingly make or use a false record or statement to avoid or decrease an obligation to pay the government.
The False Claims Act authorizes individuals to work with and on behalf of the government to file suit against people and entities that are defrauding or cheating the government. In return, whistleblowers are entitled to a significant reward of between 15 and 30 percent of the government’s overall recovery.
Further, under the False Claims Act, an individual who is discharged, demoted, harassed, or otherwise discriminated against in the workplace because of lawful efforts taken by them to expose the fraudulent scheme are entitled to relief, including reinstatement after firing, double back pay, and compensation for any special damages including litigation costs.
There are also roughly 30 state and local false claims acts, which contain similar provisions allowing whistleblowers to cooperate with and act on behalf of the government to root out fraud.
While fraud pervades all aspects of government spending, there is one area that, in the past decade or more, has surpassed all others: HEALTH CARE.
By far, government is the largest single payer of health care dollars to providers, suppliers, pharmaceutical companies and the like throughout the United States… Read More
Another form of false claim is what has become known as a “reverse false claim.” In these cases, a person or entity makes a false statement, record, or otherwise takes action to reduce or delay payment of money owed to the government. This situation can arise in many ways…. Read More
Pharmaceuticals make up a massive portion of health care expenditures every year in the United States. Because the profit margins to pharmaceutical companies are so high, schemes abound to promote the overuse of expensive drugs in every sector of our health care system…. Read More
The Department of Interior (DOI) is responsible for the management of some 700 million acres of public lands, and over the last 10 years alone has leased nearly 30 million acres for oil and gas… Read More
State and federal governments spend tens of billions of dollars each year on construction projects: roads, buildings, bridges, dams, waterways, just about anything that can be built… Read More
Federal False Claims Act also covers claims involving:
Federal reasearch grant fraud
Disaster relief fraud
Federally-insured housing and education loan fraud
If you have information about a corporation or individual that is cheating the federal government, you could be rewarded for reporting what you know to the government. However, in order to receive certain protections and rewards, whistleblowers must comply with the unique provisions of the False Claims Act. This is why it is critical to obtain legal counsel early on to assist you in making your report to the government.
If you would like to discuss a potential False Claims Act case or discuss your whistleblower rights and protections, please contact our team for a free consultation. Many whistleblowers worry that they will not be able to afford the legal representation they need. However, our lawyers are not paid unless and until we obtain a reward on your behalf and all our costs and fees are paid from the proceeds of the case.
