Qui Tam Lawsuits

The False Claims Act is a law that is designed to reward any person who knows that an individual or company has financially defrauded the federal government, by allowing that whistleblower to file a qui tam lawsuit to recover damages on the government's behalf. Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. (SHB) has extensive experience with qui tam lawsuits. From our Washington, D. C. office, we are strategically poised to assist our clients in these often complicated matters.

The False Claims Act protects plaintiffs in qui tam lawsuits who are retaliated against by their employer due to their participation in a qui tam action. The protection is available to any employee who is suspended, demoted, threatened, harassed or otherwise discriminated against by his or her employer because the employee investigates, files or participates in qui tam lawsuits. The protection includes reinstatement, double back pay, interest on the back pay, litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

The False Claims Act provides a financial incentive for people to come forward and disclose information to the government and join in prosecuting fraud. You do not need to be a corporate insider/officer to file qui tam lawsuits. The False Claims Act provides that anyone who is aware of fraud on the government can file a qui tam case. Cases have been successfully brought by employees, competitors, subcontractors, physicians, dentists, consultants, and even patients. Cases have ranged from corporate officers, to line workers in the defense contract industry; and from hospital executives and doctors, to nurses and clerks in the medical industry.

Qui tam lawsuits can be very expensive and lengthy. False Claims Act cases often incur a great amount of financial costs. Depending on the case, expenses can run from the thousands to the hundreds of thousands of dollars and can take more than a decade to prosecute. In addition, there can be multiple appeals to the appellate courts to protect the interests of the whistleblower. The attorneys at SHB have the knowledge and resources to pursue qui tam lawsuits. We possess substantial experience in qui tam lawsuits and are knowledgeable about the False Claims Act case law in the different federal districts throughout the nation. Additionally, we are very familiar with the experience of the different U.S. Attorneys offices in prosecuting qui tam cases.

To visit with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, contact us to learn more.