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Have you reported fraud within an organization?
You may be entitled to more than just a feeling of satisfaction after doing a good deed. If you recover funds for the government after reporting fraud under the False Claims Act, you might be entitled to compensation. Our NJ whistleblower lawyers can assist you in pursuing a monetary award with a Qui Tam action.
The False Claims Act
Fraud against the government is covered by the False Claims Act (FCA). People or companies who defraud the government —meaning they improperly received payment or avoided paying the Federal government monies owed — may be held liable under the Act. Typically, these types of claims involve Medicare and Medicaid fraud, defense contractor fraud, and more. Some high profile FCA claims involved large pharmaceutical companies.
What is a Qui Tam action?
Most FCA claims are filed by private citizens on behalf of the government. These claims are called Qui Tam actions. If you have knowledge of fraud against the government, you can file a qui tam lawsuit. Within the context of the suit, you are known as the relator. As the relator, you are entitled to a share of the money recovered by the government.
Once you file a claim, the federal government investigates the charges within 60 days or files an extension to continue the investigation. The government either proceeds with the action, or gives the relator the right to proceed. If the government intervenes, they have the primary responsibility to litigate the claim. If they decline to intervene, the burden falls on you, the relator.
Your share of the Qui Tam remedies
If the government intervenes in the qui tam action, the relator is entitled to receive between 15 and 25 percent of the amount recovered by the government through the qui tam action. If the government declines to intervene in the action, the relator’s share is increased to 25 to 30 percent. Under certain circumstances, the relator’s share may be reduced to no more than ten percent.
If you have proof of fraud against the government, do not hesitate to contact Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC at (908) 561-5577 or contact us online to arrange a case evaluation with a qualified New Jersey whistleblower attorney
