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The Federal False Claims Act gives whistleblowers financial incentives to report fraud to the federal government

If you work for a company that does business with the federal government or any of its agencies, and you suspect that your employer has been or is engaged in fraudulent activity, federal law offers you protection. The False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729) imposes liability on persons and companies who defraud the federal government, and offers various incentives to those whistleblowers who discover and report it.

Fraud under the False Claims Act can occur in any of several ways. Your employer may affirmatively present a "false claim," such as when a doctor submits a fraudulent claim for Medicare reimbursement, or when a defense contractor inflates the number of hours his employees actually worked on a project. But False Claims Act liability also arises if a person or company seeks to "avoid or decrease" an obligation to the government, or merely creates a "false record or statement" related to a fraudulent claim.

What's In It for me?

Importantly, the FCA includes a so-called "qui tam" provision that allows "whistleblowers" to file lawsuits against the offending persons or companies. Although, technically, such suits are brought on the federal government's behalf, successful whistleblowers stand to receive a portion (typically 15–25 percent) of any damages recovered. Such damages can often be substantial, since the Act provides for a tripling of the government's damages as well as for civil penalties of between $5,500 and $11,000 per violation.

Protection against retaliation

If you're like most people, however, you're worried about your job—and whether you'll still have one if you blow the whistle. Because Congress wanted to encourage whistleblowers to come forward, it didn't want to place them in an untenable situation. That's why another provision of the FCA (31 U.S.C. § 3730(h)) prohibits employer retaliation against whistleblowers, and provides for reinstatement, double back pay plus interest, and special damages (including attorneys' fees) to persons who endure retaliation.

Contact The Chandra Law Firm LLC for help

The False Claims Act is a very technical statute, and meeting all its conditions can be tricky business. (For example, if the federal government is already "on to" your employer's nefarious activities—say, if someone else has already reported them—then you are not considered a whistleblower and will receive no credit or protection if you report them.)

So don't take any chances. If you suspect your employer is up to no good, let The Chandra Law Firm LLC's experienced False Claims Act attorneys help you decide the best course of action.

In addition to being a former Director of Law for the City of Cleveland, where he defended False Claims Act actions, founder and managing partner Subodh Chandra was an Assistant U.S. Attorney. As a federal prosecutor, Chandra prosecuted numerous federal crimes—many of which were the kinds of crimes that can give rise to False Claims Act liability, such as healthcare fraud. Indeed, as a prosecutor, Chandra worked closely in healthcare-fraud investigations with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who handle False Claims Act cases for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Now, as a civil litigator, Chandra brings that same experience to bear on behalf of clients who have potential claims under the False Claims Act. You'll want The Chandra Law Firm LLC on your side as you navigate the False Claims Act's tough terrain. You can reach our firm, which serves clients throughout Ohio and the nation, by calling 216-578-1700 or by filling out our online contact form.

At Chandra Law, your case is our cause.®