The following is a look at some questions most commonly asked by Mississippi whistleblowers or potential whistleblowers concerning the Federal False Claims Act. Your licensed whistleblower attorney can provide you with individualized information and an assessment of your potential qui tam action.
What is the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act is a federal law originally enacted during the Civil War. This law makes it illegal for any person or entity to defraud the U.S. government. Whistleblower or qui tam provisions are found within the act. These provisions offer legal incentives to encourage individuals who are aware of fraud occurring against the government to step forward and reveal this critical information.
What does qui tam mean?
Many people are not familiar with the term “qui tam.” Qui tam is actually a Latin phrase which roughly translates into English as “he who brings an action for the kings as well as himself.” Qui tam is the title of the whistleblower provisions with the False Claims Act, and it allows civilians to file claims against wrongdoers on behalf of the federal government.
What actions are prosecuted under the False Claims Act?
Any actions involving fraud being perpetuated against the government, particularly those involving the taking of money or services, will be illegal under the False Claims Act. The most common claims brought under the act include Medicaid and Medicare fraud, customs fraud, conspiracies to raise prices, false billings, fraud against the U.S. Postal Service, construction fraud, fraud against government contractors, and public works fraud.
Who can become a whistleblower?
Any individual who uncovers fraud against the government can bring a qui tam action. Most often, whistleblowers are corporate employees who discover their employers are committing fraud. However, medical patients, business subcontractors, and customers are also commonly whistleblowers. There is not a restriction on who can bring this action.
Are whistleblowers protected under the False Claims Act?
All whistleblowers that meet the criteria under the False Claims Act will be protected. If a whistleblower loses his or her job as a result of filing a qui tam action, the former employee can sue the employer for wrongful termination and retaliation, seeking damages stemming from the loss of the job and ensuing emotional distress along with potentially punitive damages. The whistleblower could also be entitled to attorney’s fees.
What compensation do whistleblowers receive?
Whistleblowers can receive a significant sum for filing a qui tam action. If the fraud claims are substantiated and the government recovers for losses associated with the fraud, the whistleblower could be entitled to more than 15 percent of the monetary amount recovered by the government.
Will I have to disclose my identity to bring the qui tam action?
You will need to disclose your identity to the government, but your name will remain confidential for at least 60 days from the time you file the qui tam action. If the government selects your case, your identity will then be revealed.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys Assisting With Qui Tam Actions
Qui tam actions brought under the federal False Claims Act can be complex and will require the assistance of an experienced and dedicated attorney who will fight to see that you obtain the recovery you deserve for bringing to light fraud occurring against the government. The Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted qui tam plaintiffs for over 75 years. Our aggressive whistleblower attorney team will navigate you through the qui tam process towards a full recovery, protecting your interests fully along the way. For dedicated representation by an experienced attorney team, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.