Georgia

Georgia Whistleblower Laws

Witnessing a blatant violation of the law within your organization or workplace can be very unsettling. Not only could speaking out put you in opposition to your co-workers or managers, but it might also lead to financial or professional consequences.

The good news is that there is legal recourse and financial incentives for individuals who witness fraud or wrongdoing in Georgia and want to make sure justice is served.

Georgia whistleblower laws provide the foundation for protection of employees and similar insiders and create a framework for individuals to pursue a qui tam lawsuit on behalf of the government. Learn more about Georgia state whistleblower laws and how our attorneys here at Tycko & Zavareei LLP can help in your situation.

Georgia’s Taxpayer Protection Against False Claims

Georgia’s Taxpayer Protection Against False Claims statute mirrors the federal False Claims Act. Anyone who knowingly submits a false claim for payment of funds from the Georgia state government or keeps an overpayment of funds for more than 60 days may be held liable under Georgia’s FCA equivalent.

Individuals or entities found in violation of Georgia’s Taxpayer Protection Against False Claims statute will be subject to fines as high as three times the state government’s damages, the cost of the civil action, plus civil penalties ranging from $10,957 to $21,916 per false claim.

This law has a specific “qui tam” section that allows private citizens to file a claim on behalf of the government if they know about a false claim submitted by another person or entity. If that claim is successful, the whistleblower can receive between 15 and 30 percent of the total settlement amount.

Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act

The Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act specifically protects employees, agents, or contractors who witness any person or entity making a false or fraudulent claim to the State of Georgia to get benefits from Medicaid programs.

Healthcare fraud under this law includes knowingly submitting false information to the Georgia Medicaid program or knowingly using a false record to avoid an obligation to pay into the Georgia Medicaid program.

Whistleblowers who witness healthcare fraud can submit a claim under the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act. In general, violations of this law could lead to monetary fines ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim, plus three times the amount of damages the Georgia Medicaid program sustains as a result of the false claim.

Georgia Whistleblower Protections

Under Georgia’s whistleblower protection law, whistleblowers who report wrongdoing through the proper channels are afforded specific protection from retaliatory actions by their employer.

In general, employees who blow the whistle on fraud occurring at their job are protected from:

• Termination
• Suspension
• Demotion
• Reduced hours
• Threats from higher-ups or co-workers
• Harassment
• Workplace discrimination

If a whistleblower follows the law and faces illegal retaliation from their employer, the law allows them to pursue a separate claim for twice the amount of back pay, interest on the back pay, special damages sustained as a result of discrimination, and reinstatement to a previously held position in the event of termination or demotion.

How to Use Georgia Whistleblower Laws to Your Advantage

Knowing about whistleblower laws and understanding how to use them to your advantage are key to a successful outcome. In general, the typical whistleblower journey is not easy but can be made easier with the help of a qui tam law firm like Tycko & Zavareei LLP.

Understand Your Responsibilities

If you want to enjoy the protections afforded by Georgia’s whistleblower laws, you must report the wrongdoing using the proper channels, even if that disclosure concerns the intelligence community or another high-level security agency.

For that reason, it is advisable to consult with a skilled whistleblower attorney before you take any steps toward blowing the whistle. They can offer guidance on the types of evidence you can use to help strengthen your Georgia whistleblower lawsuit, as well as help keep your identity confidential for as long as possible.

Know Your Rights as a Whistleblower

A potential whistleblower should understand their rights before they pursue a qui tam claim. There are plenty of whistleblower success stories, but there are also plenty of failed whistleblowers that end up losing their jobs and professional credibility.

Whistleblowers have the right to report wrongdoing in good faith without risk of retaliation. Connect with a qui tam attorney if you suffered job loss or other adverse employment actions after making a protected disclosure.

Get Representation

To ensure your rights are protected and responsibilities upheld, consider hiring a lawyer before you blow the whistle in Georgia. Choosing the right lawyer is paramount to your case. It is important to work with a lawyer with specific experience with qui tam cases, because whistleblowing cases are often very different from other types of legal claims.

Some of the whistleblower lawyers at Tycko & Zavareei LLP have worked for the Department of Justice, so they have a unique understanding of the elements of a successful qui tam lawsuit.

Before You Blow the Whistle in Georgia

Now that you know more about Georgia’s whistleblower laws, responsibilities, and rights, it is up to you to decide how you want to move forward with the information you have.

If you are interested in getting quality legal representation to help you better understand your circumstances and the law, the lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei LLP are ready to hear you out. Schedule a confidential case evaluation with our office now to get started on your personal whistleblower journey today.