Some Common Qui Tam/False Claims Act Questions
If you are thinking about blowing the whistle on your employer, an organization you are associated with, or an individual, you may be afraid of negative consequences for yourself, or just confused about how to make a qui tam/whistleblower claim. The Fischer Legal Group focuses on qui tam cases and other complex forms of civil litigation. To assist you in your decision making, our attorneys have compiled some of the most common False Claims Act questions we answer in our office.
False Claim Act FAQs
What Constitutes A Qui Tam Offense?
False Claims Act (FCA) violations are very common. They can occur in any situation where the federal, state or local government is collecting or dispensing money. They include:
- Presenting the government with a false claim for payment
- Making a false record or statement to support a false claim
- Conspiring with others to make a false or fraudulent claim
- Supplying information relating to a claim that contains information you know to be untrue
Is The False Claims Act Federal, State Or Local?
There are anti-fraud laws at every level of government, so the answer is three. Our firm deals with all three:
- Federal False Claims Act
- State False Claims Acts, including New York State and Florida
- Local False Claims Acts
What Does Qui Tam Mean?
Qui tam is shorthand for qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso in hac parte sequitur, a Latin phrase meaning “he who brings an action for the king as well as for himself.” It is the traditional term for the idea that individuals who report fraud against the government have the right to share in the government’s receipt of the monies owed it by the defendants. It is a system that encourages individuals to come forward when the government has been defrauded.
Can I File An FCA Claim On My Own?
It is not recommended, and in some cases, it is not allowed. Federal and state laws relating to false claims have complicated requirements and components. Without experienced counsel at your side, your claim can fail, and you may lose all rights to a reward. Whistleblower cases are most successful when you hire capable counsel. The prospect of significant rewards should offset concerns about cost.
How Much Can A Relator Receive For Filing A False Claim Complaint?
A whistleblower (relator) who files such a federal complaint may receive 15 percent to 30 percent of the total amounts recovered by the government.
Have More Questions? Bring Them To Us
There isn’t room to answer every question you will have about filing a qui tam complaint. But the lawyers at Fischer Legal Group are happy to spend the time with you to answer your specific questions about your situation. Contact our attorneys at 212-577-9231 or toll-free at 212-577-9231, or email us with specific questions you may have.