Qui Tam/Whistleblower

Each year, the state and federal governments lose billions of dollars to fraud, waste, and abuse. In a bid to recoup this money and encourage proper appropriation of funds in future projects, the government is seeking civilian help and willing to pay for it. To put it differently, you could be financially rewarded for your courage if you provide information regarding any party, including your employer, who has defrauded or is attempting to defraud the state or federal government.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to protect your rights when you decide to blow the whistle on any party who has defrauded or is attempting to defraud the government. If you are aware of fraud against the government and would like to come forward, please give us a call so we can investigate your case. We will advise you about your options and legal protections. Better still, we will seek the maximum whistleblower reward be paid to you.

Understanding Qui Tam/Whistleblower laws

Qui tam is a provision in the state (§ 68.081) and federal (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733) False Claims Act that allows individuals to file a lawsuit on behalf of the government. The private citizens who choose to sue the defendant individual or company provide evidence that someone perpetrated or attempted to perpetrate a fraud or any other illegal activity against the state or federal government. Some of the most common whistleblower cases involve gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, a substantial hazard to public health and safety, and healthcare overbilling.

Blowing the whistle on fraud and other illegal activities often triggers the government to investigate and prosecute those in the wrong, but that is not always the case. Sometimes the government may opt not to get involved in your whistleblower lawsuit. The good news is that the team at Shrader Mendez & O’Connell can help you pursue litigation with or without the government’s help. Get in touch with us if you have information regarding any form of fraud against the state or federal government. We will help you establish your claims and work with you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are not violated.

Qui Tam/Whistleblower Incentives and Protections

In Florida and all of the United States, those who succeed in helping the government recover stolen funds are entitled to a whistleblower reward. Typically, this is determined to be a percentage of the total amount recovered. Besides offering a reward, the government also provides protection against retaliation. In other words, you have a right not to be fired, demoted, threatened, or harassed by your employer or any party you blow the whistle on.

If you are being discriminated against by your employer or any party for speaking out, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case review. We will help you sue the individual or company to seek compensation for all damages, including back pay from your employer and reinstatement if you were fired.

Why Do I Need a Whistleblower Lawyer?

Whistleblower lawsuits can become complicated. Given the breadth of qui tam laws and the possible reprisal from the person or company you blow the whistle on, handling a whistleblower case on your own can be daunting, to say the least. But you don’t have to worry about that alone because the qui tam/whistleblower attorneys at Shrader Mendez & O’Connell have your back. We know what it takes to ensure that our clients’ legal right are not violated and that they receive fair compensation. Our whistleblower lawyers have the experience and interest in a wide range of qui tam cases ranging from tax cheats, defense department fraud, and healthcare fraud. On top of that, we have the legal resources to help you by:

• Reviewing your case and gather all evidence relating to it.
• Convincing the government to join your lawsuit, which increases the chances of winning.
• Ensuring that you get maximum whistleblower reward and protection.
• Sticking by you from start to finish.

Talk to a Whistleblower/Qui Tam Attorney at Shrader Mendez & O’Connell

If you are aware of any form of fraud being perpetrated against or by the government, the qui tam/whistleblower attorneys at Shrader Mendez & O’Connell are ready to help. Our lawyers understand the risks that come with a whistleblower lawsuit and will do everything possible to protect your legal rights, including filing a confidential lawsuit that the general public cannot view. Please call us today at 813-336-0832 so that we can discuss your legal situation.