The U.S. government spends billions of dollars each year on federal programs, with many millions being lost to fraud. Because citizen tax dollars fund federal programs, the average American also has to pay the price for fraud.
If you have knowledge of a corporation committing fraud against the government or its agencies, you may be entitled to a financial reward if your tips lead to the successful recovery of defrauded funds. Contact the Florida whistleblower lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei LLP today to set up a confidential case evaluation at no cost to you.
What is Considered Fraud?
In whistleblower lawsuits, fraud is the intentional misuse or theft of government funds, or the misrepresentation of goods or services with the intent to obtain unwarranted funds through government contracts. It is illegal and a violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The FCA places liability on any individual or organization that seeks to defraud the government. Common types of fraud seen in whistleblower or qui tam lawsuits include:
- Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid fraud: This includes when healthcare providers bill for unprovided services, bill too much for services, perform and charge for medically unnecessary services, or give or accept kickbacks (gifts or money) for new business funded by a government health insurance program
- Government contract fraud: Most commonly seen when military or government contractors obtain contracts or funds by fraudulent means
- Securities fraud: This includes the deceptive practice of inducing investors to make decisions based on false information
- Tax fraud: This can include tax evasion, tax underpayment, and the violation of IRS laws or regulations, as well as banking regulations
What is Qui Tam?
Under the FCA, qui tam is a provision that allows individuals with evidence of fraud against the government or any of its agencies to bring forth a lawsuit to sue the defendant for fraud on behalf of the government. Under the qui tam provision, whistleblowers, otherwise known as qui tam relators, whose insider knowledge leads to financial recovery are entitled to between 15 and 30 of the total funds that are recovered. If you have private information that proves a corporation is committing fraud against the government, contact Tycko & Zavareei LLP for a free consultation.
How are Whistleblowers Protected?
Whistleblowers in Florida and throughout the country who come forward with a complaint are afforded certain protections from the federal government. Under the FCA, whistleblowers are protected from retaliation from their employer for filing a whistleblower claim. Whistleblowers who come forward about fraud or similar illegal activity cannot be terminated, suspended, demoted, threatened, harassed, or otherwise targeted or discriminated against because of their whistleblower actions.
If the whistleblower does experience retaliation, they have the right to file a lawsuit against the employer for damages, including back pay plus interest if fired, suspended, or demoted; court costs; and attorneys’ fees.
What is the Florida False Claims Act?
Florida’s False Claim Act mirrors the federal FCA and allows for individuals to assist the state government in recovering defrauded funds by bringing a qui tam lawsuit. Under the Florida False Claims Act, individuals and organizations who do business with the state or its agencies are prohibited from making false or fraudulent claims in order to obtain unwarranted funds from the Florida state government or its agencies.
Examples of fraudulent activities that are prohibited under the Florida False Claims Act include:
- Knowingly submitting a false or fraudulent claim for payment
- Knowingly using or creating false records to submit a claim
What is the Florida Whistleblower Act?
Under the Florida Whistleblower Act, both public and private sector employees are protected from retaliation from their employer for reporting illegal or fraudulent activities as well as for refusing to participate in these activities. However, if you are a public employee and have been retaliated against for whistleblower actions, you must file a claim within 60 days of the incident with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
How Can a Florida Whistleblower Lawyer Help Me?
Qui tam lawsuits are complex, so it may be in your best interest to consult with a qualified whistleblower law firm that can guide you through the legal process. At Tycko & Zavareei LLP, our Florida whistleblower attorneys have handled qui tam cases that have resulted in the recovery of over $7 billion in defrauded funds, including $350 million in a pharmaceutical product kickback case.
An experienced Florida whistleblower lawyer will assist you by:
- Evaluating the strength of your claim and all related evidence.
- Ensuring your whistleblower claim is filed under the appropriate whistleblower program.
- Urging the government to come on to your case, increasing the chance of a significant recovery of defrauded funds.
- Fighting for you to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your contributions as a whistleblower.
- Acting as your advocate throughout the entire legal process.
- Ensuring you are protected from retaliation from your employer to the fullest extent of state and federal law.
Contact a Florida Whistleblower Lawyer Today
Whistleblowers who offer inside information regarding a Florida company’s fraud against the government may be entitled to a financial reward. If you have proof or inside knowledge regarding corporate fraud against the government or other illegal activities, contact the Florida whistleblower lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei LLP today for a confidential case review.
At Tycko & Zavareei LLP, our qui tam lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you owe nothing unless your case is successful. If you are not rewarded with financial compensation, our lawyers will not take any fees.
