The federal government manages a large number of private entities and contractors. Congress passed the False Claims Act to protect against misuse of funds or outright fraud. This includes penalties for fraudulent behavior and allows private citizens to seek compensation for providing tips that lead to a conviction.
If you have questions about Lexington False Claims Act case requirements, our team could answer them. A dedicated False Claims Act attorney could help you review your options and pursue financial compensation on your behalf.
If a member of the public has proof of a violation of the False Claims Act, they may be entitled to a monetary reward if they share those details with the authorities. To qualify, this information must relate to certain prohibited behavior by government contractors or their employees.
Many of these cases involve overcharging the government for goods or services provided. This might include manipulating time clocks or charging more for materials than they actually cost. Other examples could involve giving falsified information to secure a job, negotiate a contract, or obtain a federally backed mortgage.
Often, these tips are submitted by the company’s employees who committed the acts. In addition, there are protections in place for retaliation in cases where a whistleblower is fired for assisting the authorities.
The legal deadline is one of the most critical requirements for these False Claims Act cases in Lexington. Like other lawsuits, the statute of limitations requires a whistleblower to take action within a certain amount of time.
In most situations, a plaintiff must file their claim within six years of the occurrence of the fraudulent activity. Waiting too long to pursue a qui tam case could prevent that person from recovering a monetary award.
However, there are exceptions where this deadline could be extended. For instance, efforts to cover up fraudulent activity may allow for additional time to pursue a claim. In these scenarios, speaking to a knowledgeable whistleblower attorney is crucial.
Some individuals are prohibited from recovering compensation through a qui tam action, even if they are able to provide actionable information to the federal government.
First and foremost, a person is ineligible for monetary rewards if they were required by law to report their suspicion of fraud. This is usually the case for law enforcement officers who are obligated to communicate suspected wrongdoing.
This option is also unavailable for anyone suspected of fraudulent actions. That means if the target of an investigation turns in evidence of suspected fraud, they are not entitled to a reward.
Finally, for a qui tam claim to be successful, this knowledge must be new to the government. A person cannot receive compensation if another claim has already been filed or the authorities are already aware of the information. For more details on the case requirements for the False Claims Act, contact a Lexington lawyer today.
If you believe you have evidence of fraud, now is the time to speak to trusted legal counsel. You may be eligible for a financial reward, depending on whether the claim is successful. It can be challenging to meet each of the Lexington False Claims Act case requirements on your own. Call to schedule a private consultation with our team today.
