If you are an employee with inside knowledge of acts of fraud against the government, you may be considering whether to file a whistleblower claim to put a stop to it.
This is not a decision to take lightly as claimants are often subjected to acts of retaliation by their employers. However, taking this important step can help the government to learn about and put a stop to illegal activity. Hiring a licensed attorney can help provide the legal protection you need, and you may also qualify for compensation.
At Geoff McDonald and Associates, we have been representing clients in Richmond for 25 plus years and have extensive knowledge of Virginia state law and qui tam claims.
Our Richmond whistleblower claims lawyers offer a free and confidential consultation to answer your legal questions and review your evidence to determine whether it is substantial enough to pursue a case. There is no obligation to file a claim after our meeting and no financial risk on your part to retain our services. We do not collect any fees unless we are first successful in obtaining compensation for you. Call us today at 804-203-0678 to speak with an experienced attorney today.
What You Need to Know About the False Claims Act
Originally enacted in 1863, the False Claims Act is a law that has experienced many changes and amendments to create the modern law we have today. This law was specifically designed to protect the U.S. government from acts of fraud for payment, such as:
- Purposely creating and submitting a false claim for payment
- Deliberately making a false statement or creating a fake record for payment
- Premeditation to plan to create or submit a false claim
- Receiving property from an unauthorized seller
- Withholding or using money that is intended for use by the government
- Delivering a document confirming receipt of government property without properly verifying the information on the receipt or whether that transaction actually took place
Is A Whistleblower Eligible For Compensation?
The short answer is yes, a whistleblower may be eligible for compensation. Whistleblowers provide a service to the government by helping to bring hidden illegal activities to light. In recognition of the contribution from these individuals, as well as the personal risk involved, the False Claims Act – also known as the Whistleblower or Qui Tam Act – makes various provisions that may provide compensation and/or relief for whistleblowers.
Claims where the government joins in – If the other party is found guilty of fraudulent or illegal activity, whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 15 and 25 percent of any money recovered.
If the government is not involved but the outcome is successful – The percentage you may be eligible to recover could increase to as much as 25 to 30 percent.
Other damages or equitable relief – Additional relief may be provided to you as a whistleblower if your employer or others retaliated against you, such as:
- Reinstating you to your former position if you were fired or demoted
- Pursuing compensation for your legal fees
- Emotional distress caused by acts of harassment and retaliation
- Obtaining allowable interest on back pay that was withheld
- Paying back double the income if you were let go
During our free initial consultation, we are prepared to review your potential whistleblower claim, explain what you can expect from the legal process, and discuss the types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
There is no financial risk for retaining our services since we charge nothing up front and collect no fees unless we successfully obtain money for you.
Call 24/7 by online chat or phone: 804-203-0678.
How Does a False Claims Act Case Work in Richmond?
The False Claims Act allows individuals to file a qui tam lawsuit, in which you are acting as a private citizen on behalf of the government. To start the process, you and your Richmond whistleblower lawyer will need solid evidence of fraud, such as documents, emails, or witness testimony. You must gather all the necessary information before filing a claim.
Then, your attorney will file a complaint under seal, meaning it is kept confidential initially. The government will then conduct an investigation to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
If the government decides to intervene in your case, you will have the support of government prosecutors as they pursue the claim. However, if the government declines to intervene, you and your lawyer can still proceed with the lawsuit independently. This decision often depends on the strength of your evidence and the government’s resources.
As mentioned, whistleblowers who successfully bring forward a false claims act case can be eligible for a percentage of the recovered funds. This incentive encourages individuals to come forward and report fraud, while also protecting them from retaliation by their employers. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can oversee this legal process and maximize your chances of success.
Remember, if you have evidence of fraud and want to protect the government and taxpayers’ interests, consider filing a False Claims Act claim. Consult with a skilled Richmond whistleblower attorney to ensure you understand all the steps involved and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
How Can I Benefit from Hiring a Whistleblower Lawyer?
At Geoff McDonald and Associates, we understand the challenges and concerns you may have when considering whether to expose your employer for fraudulent acts in a whistleblower claim.
If we take your case, we are committed to:
- Working to pursue a portion of the recovered funds
- Aggressively working to protect your identity from the public and your employer
- Communicating with you about the status of your claim throughout the legal process
- Seeking equitable relief for any retaliation you suffer
Additionally, for cases handled by the government, we can help you to obtain approval for your share of an expected settlement. This is important, because although the government may settle a claim at any point during the legal process, you are still required to get government approval to obtain your share of recovered funds.
Learn more about what we do for our clients. Contact our firm today: 804-203-0678
Types of False Claims We Handle
We handle various types of claims involving unlawful activity, including:
Contractors – Government contracts are very competitive, and this creates the temptation for some contractors to engage in fraudulent or unethical practices to secure the bid, such as submitting forged certifications and other false information. Additional illegal activities could include offering bribes or kickbacks to help secure a contract.
Healthcare – Healthcare cases can involve illegal activity such as when an individual physician, private practice group or even a large healthcare institution:
- Submit fraudulent claims requiring payment
- Charge multiple times for the same service
- Inflate charges for service to Medicaid or Medicare, or charge multiple times for diagnostic tests or treatments that were never provided
Energy – Claims that occur when companies commit illegal activity to secure new government land with potential sources of untapped energy. Additionally, energy companies, who are required to pay a royalty fee on any profits back to the government, may find ways to fraudulently manipulate these royalty fees to its profitable advantage.
Environmental – Companies may be guilty of charging for environmental services they never completed or submitting false test results to support a positive outcome, such as forging proof of successful results for toxic waste removal that was never done.
Financial – There are many types of financial fraud that can happen within any government entity, corporation or financial institutions.
Research – Applying for U.S. grant funds is very competitive. Sometimes individuals or companies may falsify their data to qualify.
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Contact an Experienced Richmond Whistleblower Attorney Today
At Geoff McDonald and Associates, we welcome the opportunity to handle your whistleblower case. Our knowledgeable lawyers have been representing clients in Richmond for more than 25 years. Our CEO and president Geoff McDonald is licensed both in the state of Virginia and in federal court.
We are committed to building a solid case to try to encourage the government to intervene and join the claim. Even though your percentage of the recovery is less when the government is involved, there is often a greater chance of success.
Contact our Richmond office anytime, day or night at 804-203-0678. Our phone lines are open 24/7 to take your call. You may also fill out and submit our free online case evaluation form, and a member of our legal team will get back you quickly.
Whistleblower Protection FAQs
If you have witnessed illegal or fraudulent activity at your workplace and are considering blowing the whistle, here are some common questions regarding whistleblower protection that you may have:
What Laws Protect Whistleblowers?
In the United States, there are several federal and state laws that protect whistleblowers, including the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and various False Claims Acts. These laws provide different levels of protection depending on the circumstances and sector involved.
What Qualifies as Whistleblower Retaliation?
Whistleblower retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse actions against an employee for reporting illegal or unethical behavior, and it can look different from situation to situation. These actions can include termination, demotion, harassment, intimidation, or any other form of retaliation intended to silence or discourage the whistleblower.
Can I Be Fired for Blowing the Whistle?
No, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against whistleblowers by terminating their employment. Federal and state laws explicitly prohibit employers from firing employees in retaliation for reporting illegal activities.
How Can an Attorney Help Me With Whistleblower Protection?
A whistleblower attorney will guide you through the proper procedures for blowing the whistle, gather evidence of an employer’s violations, and provide legal representation if you take legal action. They can also negotiate settlements and pursue legal remedies on your behalf.
What Should I Do if I Witness Illegal Activity at My Workplace?
If you witness illegal activity at your workplace, carefully document all relevant information, including dates, times, and individuals involved. Consult a Richmond whistleblower lawyer to understand your options and how to proceed.
Are You Considering Blowing the Whistle?
Remember, blowing the whistle can be a complicated and challenging endeavor, but it can be necessary and beneficial in many ways and to many parties. With the right legal guidance and protections in place, you can help expose wrongdoing and make a positive impact on your workplace and industry.
If you have any further questions or concerns about whistleblower protection, don’t hesitate to reach out to our qualified Richmond whistleblower lawyers from Geoff McDonald and Associates for assistance. We will ensure you have the support and guidance you need every step of the way. Contact us online or via phone at 804-203-0678.