Relators and Qui Tam Law
When a person enters into a qui tam lawsuit against an entity that has accepted government payment for fraudulent services or prices, the particulars of the legal process are clearly outlined in the pertinent laws. Known as a relator, an individual or group may file a lawsuit against this entity on behalf of the federal or state government, demanding the return of fraudulently earned funds as well as attaining additional payment for willful damages.
For more information regarding the rights of whistleblowers, contact the qui tam lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, at 202-973-0900 today.
Relators Taking Action
Persons who are directly involved with an organization that engages in fraudulent activities may file a whistleblower lawsuit, but so, too, can external parties who have reliable and relevant information regarding the matter. Workers, unions, worker organizations, or even private detectives with an awareness of wrongdoing may become engaged in the action as a relator. The following are important points to remember when a relator makes a qui tam claim:
- To qualify for qui tam award, information must be privately attained
- Whistleblowers do not need to be injured to receive damage payments
- Treble damages may applied
Whistleblowers may collect a percentage of the recovered funds in addition to treble damages. The figure obtained for treble damages is determined by multiplying the actual or compensatory damages by three, and this is imposed to punish willfully improper conduct.
Contact Us
If you have substantial information pertaining to the defrauding of the government, your engagement in a qui tam lawsuit can benefit taxpayers and the government. To learn more about your rights in these situations, contact the qui tam lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, by calling 202-973-0900.
