The federal False Claims Act allows “whistleblowers” who are private citizens to file suits on behalf of the United States government in certain circumstances when the government has been defrauded. The “qui tam” provisions of the False Claims Act allow whistleblowers to recover damages. “Whistleblower” provisions have been and continue to be very effective and successful tools in combating false claims and fraud against the government.

This law essentially confers upon private citizens, who have an independent and direct knowledge of fraud, the ability to bring a civil action against those who would defraud the government. The government may or may not decide to participate. These whistleblowers are allowed to share in the recovery of damages.

Qui tam whistleblower cases generally involve claims that are either directly or indirectly presented to the government for payment which are fraudulent in nature. The False Claims Act defines a claim as “any request or demand . . . for money or property which is made to a contractor, grantee, or other recipient if the United States Government provides any portion of the money or property which is requested or demanded, or if the Government will reimburse such contractor, grantee, or other recipient for any portion of the money or property which is requested or demanded.”

Our firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in cases in which whistleblowers seek to bring qui tam actions. Our firm’s former federal fraud prosecutors are uniquely qualified to assess and litigate these claims for our clients.

If you or someone you know is involved in a Qui Tam / Whistleblower case and need immediate assistance, please contact us at 1-800-228-9159 for a free initial consultation, or send us an e-mail.