The False Claims Act — also known as the Whistleblower Act or Qui Tam Statute — gives an ordinary citizen the right to sue companies or individuals to recover government funds obtained through fraud.
This little known law may seem obscure, but the need for it certainly isn’t. The federal government awards $500 billion in contracts each year and pays billions more in grants and reimbursements. Inevitably, a portion of this money is lost through fraud. Suits filed under the False Claims Act have recovered billions of those dollars — and sizable awards to individuals who used the Act to bring the fraud to light.
FCA suits brought by individuals are often called “Qui Tam” -- a reference to a Latin phrase that translates as “[he] who sues in this matter for the king as [well as] for himself." Many states have similar laws that protect and compensate whistleblowers.
Gordon & Doner's attorneys in Florida are experienced in assessing and pursuing Qui Tam suits. We can tell you if your claim has merit and how to pursue it. We’ll also advise you on how the law protects whistleblowers from being harassed or fired by defendants in such cases.
Contact our attorneys at 1-800-659-1159 so that we may assess your case, for free. The attorneys at Gordon & Doner have received professional accolades for their work representing clients in West Palm Beach, Martin County, Stuart, Pembroke Pines, Miami and throughout Florida.
Typically, a suit filed under the False Claims Act remains secret or “under seal” for 60-days or more while the government decides whether to pursue the case. If the U.S. Justice Department intervenes and fraud is found, the Qui Tam plaintiff is entitled to between 15 to 25 percent of the funds recovered.
If the government declines to get involved and the plaintiff successfully pursues the case on the government’s behalf, the plaintiff’s entitlement increases to between 25 and 30 percent of the recovered amount. In successful suits, the defendant must pay the plaintiff’s legal fees.
FCA suits frequently involve Medicare and Social Security payments, U.S. military contracts and federal education assistance, but the law also covers most U.S. government funds, except tax payments.
In many case, individuals who bring suit under the FCA are corporate employees who become aware of fraud committed by their companies. A plaintiff does not have to have direct knowledge of fraud, only an awareness of it.
If you suspect an instance of fraud that might qualify under the Qui Tam Statute, call Gordon & Doner's attorneys today at 1-800-659-1159 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
