Your Qui Tam Attorneys
If you work for a government contractor or other entity that does business with the government and have observed unethical, illegal, or fraudulent practices, taking a stand is your right and the right thing to do. The journey to justice can be daunting, which is why the support of a Pittsburgh, PA qui tam lawyer is indispensable. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman LLC, we leverage our extensive experience, over six years focusing on qui tam cases, to advocate on your behalf. We offer our services to whistleblowers on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win.
Before deciding to blow the whistle, it is vital to be well-informed about the process and the potential outcomes. We work tirelessly so that our clients are fully prepared. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.
What Is A Qui Tam Lawsuit?
A qui tam lawsuit allows whistleblowers to file a lawsuit on behalf of the government and then obtain a significant share of any monies recovered through settlement or judgment. In these lawsuits, the whistleblower is known as a 'relator,' helping the government hold fraudsters accountable and recapture misspent tax dollars.
Qui tam cases can arise in various sectors where the government engages contractors, pays for services, offers grants, or provides insurance. The following are some examples of qui tam actions, highlighting the role our Pittsburgh qui tam lawyer can play in these tough legal battles.
Common Examples Of Qui Tam Cases
Qui tam actions can occur in any sector involving government spending, but some industries tend to have more qui tam actions than others.
Qui Tam In The Healthcare Industry
Nearly every member of the healthcare industry provides services to Medicare, Medicaid, or veteran patients - which means they are being paid by the government. From illegal prescription drug marketing to falsified medical billing and training records, there are seemingly endless permutations of healthcare fraud that have led to successful qui tam cases. Whistleblowers are entitled to a share of the money recovered by the government.
Qui Tam In Military Procurement
The False Claims Act, which authorizes qui tam cases, was originally passed to help the Union Army catch fraudsters selling fake goods to the government during the Civil War. To this day, military procurement and DOD contracting remains a vital area of qui tam enforcement. Catching fraudsters can be about more than just the money - it can directly impact national security.
Qui Tam In Government Contracting
The government pays for all manner of goods and services from road and building construction to home COVID test kits. Businesses that contract with the government must “turn square corners” and fraudsters are often caught by insiders who become whistleblowers.
Why You Need A Qui Tam Lawyer
Whistleblowing is a noble but sometimes risky endeavor, potentially exposing you to professional retaliation. The laws which reward whistleblowers are procedurally complex and successfully navigating the multi-year process requires skilled legal representation. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman LLC, we are committed to protecting your interests while helping you do the right thing.
Darth M. Newman, our lead attorney, brings a wealth of experience handling whistleblower cases. His expertise in both state and federal courts guarantees that your case is managed with the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards. Recognized for his legal acumen and integrity, Darth has been instrumental in securing significant outcomes for our clients and returning millions of dollars to the government.
Contact Us Today
With years of experience managing qui tam cases, the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman LLC is well-equipped to guide you through the challenges of being a whistleblower. Contact us today to take the next steps with our Pittsburgh qui tam lawyer. We are committed to your case and ready to help you achieve the justice you seek.
False Claims Act Representation
Your Pittsburgh qui tam lawyer can support you if you suspect a violation of the false claims act. When it comes to combating fraud against the government, the False Claims Act (FCA) serves as a powerful tool, providing legal means for whistleblowers to help expose and prosecute fraudsters. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, we have over 6 years of experience handling qui tam and false claims act cases. Now, it’s our turn to help you. Read on, and see how Darth Newman can help:
Understanding The False Claims Act
The False Claims Act is a federal law that heavily incentivizes individuals to report companies and individuals that defraud the government. Under the FCA, private citizens can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government and may share in a portion of the recovery. These provisions aim to encourage the reporting of misconduct while compensating whistleblowers for their risks and contributions to uncovering fraud.
What Constitutes A Violation Of The False Claims Act
A violation of the FCA occurs when a business or individual knowingly submits false records or makes false claims to the government for payment. This can include overcharging for goods or services, delivering inferior products, failing to comply with contract specifications, or falsely certifying that conditions have been met to receive government funding. The term "knowingly" is critical here—it encompasses not only actual knowledge of the falsehood but also deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth.
The Importance Of Thorough Documentation
For anyone considering blowing the whistle on fraudulent activities, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible. Documentation can include emails, internal reports, billing records, and any other data that supports claims of fraud. Thorough documentation strengthens your case and provides a solid foundation for your claims, making it easier to present a compelling argument to the authorities. Collecting documentation from fraudsters can put whistleblowers at risk. It is imperative to discuss the specifics of your situation with an experienced FCA lawyer before you take any action.
The Role Of Legal Representation
Taking on a case under the False Claims Act can be daunting. The process is legally complex and often involves going against well-resourced defendants. Having skilled attorneys who understand the intricacies of the law is invaluable. Your Pittsburgh qui tam lawyer can make sure that your claim is accurately presented and that your rights are protected throughout the process. Lawyers can manage the legal burden while you focus on other aspects of your life, reducing the stress and risk involved.
Whistleblower Protections
The FCA provides robust protections for whistleblowers against retaliation by employers. If you are demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any way discriminated against for acting in accordance with the FCA, you are entitled to relief. This relief might include reinstatement, double back pay, and compensation for any special damages, including litigation costs and attorneys' fees.
Choose The Right Legal Partner
The Law Offices of Darth M. Newman is committed to representing whistleblowers with the highest level of professional care and confidentiality. We stand by our clients every step of the way, from the initial filing through to the resolution of the case.
If you believe you have witnessed fraud against the government and are considering making a claim under the False Claims Act, contact us today, and see how a Pittsburgh qui tam lawyer can help you make a difference.
5 Red Flags Indicating Potential Fraud In Your Workplace
Fraud in the workplace can have devastating consequences for businesses and employees alike. As a qui tam lawyer, the attorneys at Law Offices of Darth M. Newman easily recognize the warning signs that might indicate fraudulent activities. Here are eight red flags that could signal potential fraud in your organization:
Inconsistent Financial Records
Inconsistencies in financial records can be an indicator of fraud. If you notice discrepancies between financial statements, budgets, or invoices, it’s worth investigating further. Common signs include missing documentation, altered invoices, or transactions that lack proper approval. Regular audits can help uncover these issues before they escalate.
Unusual Transactions or Patterns
Keep an eye on unusual transactions or spending patterns. This could include round-number payments, frequent write-offs, or excessive reimbursements that don’t match standard practices. If certain transactions consistently lack clear explanations or approvals, they may warrant further scrutiny.
High Employee Turnover
A high turnover rate, particularly among employees in finance or accounting, can be a warning sign of underlying issues. If people are leaving the organization frequently, it may indicate dissatisfaction, poor management, or, in some cases, a cover-up of fraudulent activities.
Lack of Internal Controls
Weak internal controls provide fertile ground for fraud. If your organization lacks clear policies, procedures, or checks and balances, it becomes easier for employees to engage in dishonest activities without detection. Companies with robust internal controls, such as segregation of duties and regular audits, can help mitigate this risk.
Complaints from Employees or Clients
If employees or clients raise concerns about unethical behavior, it should not be taken lightly. Complaints about financial discrepancies, unethical practices, or workplace culture can be a precursor to larger fraudulent schemes.
Do You Suspect Fraud Within Your Organization? Call Us Today.
Being vigilant and aware of these red flags can help you identify potential fraud in your workplace before it spirals out of control. If you suspect fraudulent activity, it’s crucial to document your findings and consult with a qui tam lawyer or other legal professional to discuss your options. We can help you. Call the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman today to discuss your legal options.
What Protections Would I Have For Filing A Qui Tam Lawsuit As A Whistleblower?
Federal law protects employees, contractors, and agents who take lawful action in furtherance of a qui tam lawsuit or other efforts to stop one or more violations of the False Claims Act. This includes protection from termination, demotion, harassment, or other forms of discrimination. Victims of retaliation can file a claim against their employer to receive reinstatement with the same seniority status they would have had but for the discrimination, two times the amount of back pay, interest on the back pay, and compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the discrimination (such as emotional and reputational damages), including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
How Should I Submit Evidence In A Qui Tam Case?
With your assistance, your lawyer will assemble a formal complaint and a disclosure of all material evidence supporting your claims. These documents get provided to federal prosecutors in secret and without giving any notice to the defendants. The government is given a period of time to conduct a secret investigation which can last many years. To aid the government, your disclosure should include all evidence of fraud, including texts, emails, other documents, as well as information about potentially friendly and hostile witnesses.
What Happens If The Government Declines To Intervene In My Case?
If the government decides not to pursue your qui tam case (if the government declines to intervene), you and your lawyer often retain the right to proceed without the government’s active participation. Proceeding without the government increases the range of the whistleblower award you are entitled to from 15-25% up to 25-30%. Proceeding without the government means you will have to be more involved in the litigation process and will increase the costs of litigation.
The government may be able to rejoin the case later at a later date and the claims being made are always being made on behalf of the government.Your Pittsburg qui tam lawyer can advise you of your options when the government makes its intervention decision.
What Happens If I Am Wrong About The Fraud I’m Reporting?
Whistleblowers acting in good faith should feel confident coming forward to attempt to remedy fraud against the government. Not all actual or suspected fraud will result in a successful lawsuit. Your Pittsburg qui tam lawyer can advise you on which claims are likely to have merit and be provable and which are not. The law protects unsuccessful whistleblowers from retaliation.
However, filing obviously meritless claims or claims brought for bad reasons can result in financial penalties. If the government declines to intervene, and you choose to proceed with the case, and the defendant(s) win, and the court finds that your claim was clearly frivolous, clearly vexatious, or brought primarily for purposes of harassment, the court may award to the defendant(s) their reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses.