Each year, the government recovers billions of dollars thanks to whistleblowers. The last few years have seen a host of high profile whistleblowers, from Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning to J. Kirk McGill. Individuals and corporate whistleblowers who come forward in an effort to protect the government from fraud serve a vital function in our society.
These whistleblowers are entitled to special protections and incentives due to their brave actions under the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act provides that individuals with knowledge that another person or entity may have received payments for false claims submitted to the government may sue on behalf of the government to recover these funds.
The protections afforded false claims whistleblowers are critical, as these whistleblowers come forward to protect the government and taxpayers from fraud perpetuated by the fraudulent behavior of doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government contractors, and any other group that regularly bills the government. Whistleblowers face high stakes in coming forward, risking their personal and professional lives. Accordingly, it is important that whistleblowers be protected and rewarded for their actions.
In 2012 alone, the Department of Justice reported that it recovered over $5 billion through just False Claims Act cases. Healthcare fraud in 2013 boasted convictions and settlements well exceeding $78 million. These figures do not even include other common types of fraud that false claims whistleblowers often reveal, including education fraud and military contract fraud. These recoveries would not be possible without the assistance of whistleblowers as the government does not have the resources available to uncover on its own.
Political whistleblowers serve an equally important function but are not always rewarded or viewed the same by the government. As in the case of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, individuals who both felt they were going a service to their country by exposing information that only they had access to, but instead of being thanked, they were prosecuted by the government.
Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning’s disclosures initiated a national discussion on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and of government whistleblowing. Edward Snowden’s massive information release revealed alarming facts concerning the National Security Agency’s data collection process and privacy intrusion which the public is still grappling with.
Whether it be reporting fraud occurring against the government or fraud committed by the government, whistleblowers serve a vital function in society. Whistleblowers of all types put their own personal and professional lives on the line to assist, ultimately, the public as a whole.
If you are considering blowing the whistle, it is imperative you retain the assistance of an experienced whistleblower attorney who will ensure your interests are fully protected. Claims arising out of the False Claims Act will entitle you to compensation for any recovery made by the government, which can be substantial. All whistleblowers will require an attorney in the event any retaliatory action is taken in response to their lawful whistleblowing.
Barrett Law PLLC: Assisting Whistleblowers in Performing Their Important Task
Whistleblowers are an extremely important part of the American landscape and economy. Whistleblowers who uncover false claims, fraud, or other misuse of government funds will assist taxpayers along with the U.S. government. The Mississippi Whistleblower Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted countless whistleblowers across the state and much of the southeast since 1936. Our attorneys understand the complexities involved in any whistleblower action and will strive to achieve the results you desire. For experienced representation by a team of aggressive, dedicated, and knowledgeable attorneys, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.