Whistleblower Protection:
False Claims Act/Qui Tam

The Law Office of Scott Stillman has expertise in whistleblower representation, empowering you to expose fraud and misconduct that harm the federal or state government. As dedicated advocates, we ensure your rights are protected while maximizing your potential rewards for uncovering fraudulent activities.

Understanding the False Claims Act

The False Claims Act empowers private citizens to take action against companies defrauding the government. This whistleblower law allows you to file a “qui tam” lawsuit on behalf of the government, seeking damages and penalties for the fraudulent actions. In brief, the private citizen reports the fraud to the government and is eligible to receive a percentage of the money that the government recovers. We have the expertise to guide you through the complex process of filing these actions “under seal” to maintain confidentiality during investigations.

Key Aspects of False Claims Act Cases

1. Types of Fraudulent Claims:
   The fraud in False Claims Act (“FCA”) cases can take various forms, including overcharging for goods or services, falsifying timesheets or records, providing substandard products, not adhering to the government’s contractual terms, not properly paying tariffs, underpaying the government, or retaining overpayments from the government.

2. “Knowing” Wrongful Actions:
   To be considered a violation of the FCA, the defendant’s actions must be deliberate, involving deliberate action or ignorance, or reckless disregard of the truth.

3. Recovery and Penalties:
   The government may recover three times its actual losses (“treble damages”) and impose penalties for each false claim submitted. The whistleblower (also known as the “relator”) may recover a portion of the amount that the government recovers.

4. Whistleblower Protection:
   The False Claims Act offers crucial protection against retaliation for whistleblowers, safeguarding you from adverse actions by your employer.

Navigating False Claims Act Cases

False Claims Act cases require that they be filed in a unique way from standard lawsuits. Additionally, they proceed differently from other typical lawsuits – so it’s important to know how to navigate and satisfy these different requirements.

1. Filing “Under Seal”:
   Your False Claims Act case is filed in federal district court under seal, providing evidence only to the United States Department of Justice and the district court judge.

2. First-to-File Rule:
   An FCA whistleblower must be the “first-to-file” (i.e., the first to report the fraudulent conduct to the government). Otherwise, under many circumstances, the relator will be prevented from bringing suit based on a fraud already disclosed.

3. Government Intervention:
   The government may choose to intervene, taking over the litigation, or, if the government declines to intervene, you can continue the case on behalf of the government.

4. Whistleblower Share:
   If the government recovers funds due to your qui tam case, you may be entitled to a share of the recovery, ranging from 15% to 30%, based on various factors.

Contact the Law Office of Scott Stillman About Your False Claims Act Case

1. Expert Guidance:
   We possess extensive expertise in False Claims Act cases, ensuring thorough understanding and effective representation.

2. Confidentiality:
   We maintain strict confidentiality throughout the “under seal” process, prioritizing your protection and the integrity of your case.

3. Personalized Approach:
   Your unique circumstances and contribution are central to our strategy, optimizing your potential recovery.

4. Dedicated Advocacy:
   We are committed to upholding your rights and pursuing justice, no matter the complexity of the case.

When faced with the responsibility of uncovering fraudulent activities that harm the government, rely on us for steadfast support. We are ready to guide you through the intricacies of False Claims Act cases, ensuring your rights are upheld and your contribution is rewarded.