The development of new medication is a costly endeavor that is not always successful. The federal government provides funding for research to ensure that the public has access to the care it needs. Unfortunately, this money is sometimes misappropriated.
If you have evidence of fraud within the drug industry, a hardworking whistleblower attorney might be able to help. Federal law provides a path toward financial compensation for anyone who cooperates with investigators to uncover fraud. This means that by stepping forward, you could potentially secure a significant financial reward. Let a Lexington pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer answer your questions about your options.
At first glance, it may appear that the pharmaceutical industry is comprised entirely of private companies. In reality, these drug companies work hand-in-hand with the federal government to research and develop medication, and these efforts are often funded by taxpayers.
The federal government subsidizes the early stages of drug development. This research is expensive, and public funds are used in part because private companies are unlikely to take on the risk themselves. By supporting the drug companies, the government ensures that medication eventually becomes available to the public when it otherwise might not have.
However, funds come with strings attached. Pharmaceutical companies are required to comply with regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration, and the failure to do so can lead to criminal prosecution. When money is misused, a Lexington lawyer who understands pharmaceutical industry whistleblower cases could help an employee seek a monetary award.
These companies have a duty to use any money received from the government for its intended purpose. Tracking these funds is a difficult task that federal regulators are not always able to keep up with.
Congress passed the False Claims Act to combat fraud. Under this act, whistleblowers have the chance to recover a monetary award if the information they provide to the federal government leads to a fraud conviction. Often, these parties are employees of pharmaceutical companies who have misused federal funds. The tips provided must include new information that others have not yet reported.
Some individuals are ineligible for this type of recovery. Law enforcement officers cannot pursue these claims due to their professional obligation to report evidence of criminal activity. Likewise, a person involved in the scheme cannot serve as a whistleblower.
These payments are only made when the information leads to a criminal conviction. This means the process can take years to work through the court system. Even then, the reward is only paid out when prosecutors recover some of the fraudulently obtained funds. If they cannot do so, a reward will not be provided.
The amount a whistleblower earns will generally vary between 15 and 25 percent of the total amount the federal government recovers. A Lexington pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer could assist with this process.
If you have witnessed an act of fraud within the pharmaceutical industry, you might be entitled to a reward under the False Claims Act. Your information could not only hold a company accountable for the misuse of public funds but also benefit you financially.
Contact a Lexington pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer today to learn more and receive the support and guidance you need in this process.
