Congress recently made several amendments to the False Claims Act meant to reduce the number of obstacles necessary for whistleblowers to file qui tam lawsuits against their employers or other entities. This was done as a way to encourage whistleblowers to be more willing to step forward with evidence of fraud being committed against the U.S. government.
If you believe you know of a person or entity defrauding the government, consider contacting a New York whistleblower lawyer today. A New York whistleblower lawyer can answer any questions you may have and work to protect your legal options. Employers who ignore the False Claims Act and attempt to retaliate against whistleblowers by reducing their pay or cutting their hours may be required to compensate the whistleblower for attorneys’ fees, the costs of filing a lawsuit, and more.
Two of the most common industries in which qui tam lawsuits are filed include healthcare and defense-contracting professions. However, qui tam cases can be pursued in any number of sectors and may involve a person or entity:
- Purposefully overcharging or overbilling the government.
wildpixel/Istock/Thinkstock - Charging the government for goods and services that were never provided.
- Falsifying search results.
- Attempting to get out of paying a debt or trying to have an illegitimate claim paid by lying or making false statements.
The IRS has also implemented a program allowing whistleblowers who file successful lawsuits to receive between 15 and 30 percent of the IRS’s recovery. While the financial reward may not be guaranteed, it is an incentive for many who are considering taking action against those responsible for allegedly defrauding the government. A New York whistleblower lawyer can help to better your chances of receiving such a reward.
Eligible to File a Qui Tam Lawsuit?
If you believe you have evidence of company or individual committing fraud against the government, contact Attorney Group for New York today for a free, no-obligation consultation. If it is determined that you have a case, Attorney Group for New York can connect you with a local, affiliated New York whistleblower lawyer. He or she can file a qui tam lawsuit on your behalf and assist you throughout the legal process. Call today.
