It is common practice for the U.S. military to outsource a number of tasks to third parties. While these defense contractors do not work directly for the government, they must comply with certain rules and regulations while performing their work on behalf of the armed services.
The unfortunate reality is that some of these contractors are willing to submit false documentation in order to be paid for work they have not completed. A dedicated whistleblower attorney could help you hold them accountable and seek compensation for your efforts. If you are considering a qui tam lawsuit, speak with a Columbia defense contractor fraud whistleblower lawyer today.
There are many potential ways for defense contractors to defraud the federal government. Some examples include the following:
Evidence of any of these types of fraud could violate the Federal Claims Act. This could lead to serious consequences, and a whistleblower with evidence of these bad acts could be entitled to compensation.
Anyone who provides the federal government with proof of fraud could be entitled to financial compensation if they file a writ of qui tam. This legal filing notifies the government that a whistleblower is not only providing evidence of fraud but also wants to be compensated.
Not every case will result in a monetary reward. The evidence provided must result in a fraud conviction for there to be a chance for compensation. In addition, the filer is only entitled to a portion of any funds the government is able to recoup through their investigation. This works out to between 15 and 25 percent of the total amount recovered.
Certain parties are ineligible for a claim under any circumstances. Law enforcement officials and government employees who are obligated to report fraud cannot recover through a federal lawsuit. A defense contractor fraud whistleblower attorney in Columbia could review the evidence and advise if a writ of quit tam is appropriate.
The process of notifying the government about potential fraud can be a stressful experience. Not only does this usually involve the difficult task of turning over evidence that implicates coworkers or employers, but there is also the constant fear of reprisal.
The law does provide some protection for whistleblowers. In most cases, writs of qui tam are initially filed under seal. This means the public will not have access to these documents, allowing the investigation to proceed without the target being aware it exists.
While the whistleblower can be anonymous during this stage, the case will not stay under seal forever. Should the company become aware of their identity, the law prohibits any acts of retaliation. Individuals could pursue damages based on retaliatory acts, including the following:
A defense contractor fraud whistleblower lawyer in Columbia could protect their client’s rights throughout this process.
If you have evidence of wrongdoing, now is the time to seek legal assistance. A Columbia defense contractor fraud whistleblower lawyer could secure your privacy while pursuing a monetary award for your information.
Call to schedule an initial consultation with our team today to discuss your case in detail.
