Qui tam cases are cases in which the whistleblower is awarded based on funds they help recover for the government. Qui tam cases help the government recover money due to fraud, often on a very large scale. The False Claims Act provides for rewards for whistleblowers and provides job security for them. Often whistleblowers fear for the security of their job due to bringing potential fraud to light. It is important that individuals carefully select the attorney to represent their qui tam case, as that attorney will be responsible for attempting to collect in the case.
Through the False Claims Act, an individual may sue a company on behalf of the government. Qui tam lawsuits are kept secret, even from the company being sued. The Department of Justice is given evidence that has been collected by the whistleblower and uses it to investigate the case. It is critical that this evidence be thorough. Our attorneys can work with you to determine what evidence might be best in your case, and if your evidence is adequate. The government then investigates and decides whether or not to intervene in the case. If the government does intervene, the whistleblower is entitled to approximately 15 to 25 percent of the settlement. This award percentage is slightly higher if the government does not intervene.
As a qui tam attorney, we understand that it’s crucial to build a solid case. We work with whistleblowers to uncover the full extent of fraudulent activities and collect necessary evidence to build a strong case. At the Ochs Law Firm, we believe that fraudulent activities against the government should not be tolerated, and we work hard to ensure that whistleblowers are protected and compensated appropriately.