How Is a Qui Tam Case Filed?
The actual act of filing a qui tam suit is very important for a whistleblower to understand, even if they are working closely with a legal advisor. These cases are under seal until the Justice Department makes a decision about whether the federal government intends to take the case or not. This means that, when filing a case, a whistleblower absolutely must adhere to set protocol, as failure to do so can result in the case being dismissed.
Because of the confidential nature of qui tam cases in the early portions of the lawsuit, a person filing a qui tam claim can damage their own lawsuit if they don’t know what they’re doing. If you’re thinking about filing a qui tam lawsuit, we may be able to help you better understand this confusing process. For more information, contact a qui tam lawyer from Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, by calling 202-973-0900.
Important Things to Know when Filing a Qui Tam Lawsuit
Qui tam cases are treated with the utmost confidentiality because of the legal issues involving the Justice Department’s involvement and the whistleblower’s right to special legal protections. These complex aspects of a qui tam lawsuit mean that a person should observe the following guidelines when submitting a qui tam case:
- Qui tam claims must be confidentially filed with the US Attorney General
- Qui tam claims must be confidentially filed with the US Attorney in the proper district
- The whole content of the claim can’t be released until the court lifts the seal
These requirements are part of the reason why legal help is so important for a qui tam case. A simple mistake with these procedures can possibly ruin a qui tam lawsuit.
Contact Us
If you’re considering filing a qui tam lawsuit against a party defrauding the federal government, you need an experienced attorney to help you. To learn more about our services and what we may be able to do for you, contact the qui tam attorneys of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, at 202-973-0900 today.
