When whistleblowers come forward with evidence of fraudulent claims against the government, they are often granted more than the satisfaction of doing the right thing; they can receive a monetary award. This is possible through a writ of qui tam.
Filing a qui tam suit in Columbia can lead to financial awards, but only for eligible whistleblowers who follow the appropriate process. Let a dedicated and well-versed qui tam whistleblower attorney advise you of your options before you file a claim on your own.
The government will not simply hand out cash rewards to any person who provides information regarding fraud or wrongdoing. In order to qualify, an individual must formally notify the government of their intention to seek a reward for their help. This is done with a writ of qui tam.
Whistleblowers must file their writs with the local United States District Court. The lawsuit should explicitly set out the intention to seek a reward and outline the information provided to the government.
Thankfully, an attorney in Columbia could handle every aspect of filing a qui tam lawsuit. From investigating the truth of the allegations to determining if a person qualifies for compensation, their efforts can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of the case.
There are limitations on who has the right to seek compensation from the government after providing tips regarding acts of fraud. This is true regardless of how helpful the information provided proves to be.
First, members of law enforcement are prohibited from pursuing a writ of qui tam through the False Claims Act. This is because they are already obligated to report any evidence of a crime. Second, anyone involved in the fraudulent transaction cannot profit from their crimes by reporting a tip to the authorities.
Compensation is also limited based on the nature of the information. Any tips provided to the government must be new information that has not previously been disclosed.
Finally, tips must lead to a conviction that results in some financial recovery for the government. A writ of qui tam will not result in a reward following an unsuccessful prosecution.
There are multiple reasons why the False Claims Act will only result in a monetary award following a successful prosecution. One of those reasons is that any rewards are paid from the funds recovered through the successful investigation.
When a person files a writ of qui tam, they may be entitled to between 15 and 25 percent of any funds recovered through a successful criminal prosecution or administrative action. The larger the recovery, the bigger the potential award.
One of the benefits of relying on a lawyer in Columbia when filing a qui tam suit is getting a clear picture of what a case might be worth. While it is impossible to guarantee a specific outcome, a legal professional could evaluate the strengths of a claim and highlight what it might be worth.
If you intend to act as a whistleblower, filing a qui tam suit in Columbia could provide you with the financial reward you deserve. Reach out as soon as possible for a private consultation with one of our experienced lawyers to learn more.
