Fraudulent activities against the U.S. government can have devastating consequences for individuals who rely on government programs for their livelihood or health benefits. Fortunately, a qui tam lawsuit can expose such wrongdoing and hold the perpetrators accountable. If you witness fraudulent activities in your workplace, you can file a qui tam lawsuit against your employer. Doing so can result in a monetary reward from the U.S. government.
False Claims Act
Qui tam cases are subject to the False Claims Act and must follow the “first-to-file” rule. Meaning, only the first whistleblower to file a lawsuit for a specific fraudulent scheme will receive the reward. As a whistleblower, you can only receive compensation if you are the first to report the fraud to the government. So, if you are considering bringing a qui tam case, you should move as soon as possible or you may lose your opportunity to receive the reward.
Incentives for reporting fraud
In New York, the court can determine how much you receive after a successful conviction. Generally, you can be entitled to receive between 15 and 25 percent of the government’s total recovery from the settlement. Even if you did not provide all the information, you may still receive a portion of the settlement based on the significance of the information you provided.
Whistleblowers are instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. government. However, the fear of retaliation from their employers may cause some individuals to overlook fraudulent activities. If you share this sentiment and wish to take swift action, you may seek legal assistance concerning your next move.
