Railroad workers who notice fraud in their company’s government contracts may feel uneasy about what to do. Through a legal process called a qui tam suit, individuals can report this fraud and help protect taxpayer money.
Understanding qui tam suits and their purpose
A qui tam suit is a legal claim filed by someone who knows about fraud against the government. In the case of railroad contract fraud, this often involves companies falsifying claims or overcharging for work. By filing this type of suit, a whistleblower, or relator, can help the government recover lost funds.
Steps to filing
Filing a qui tam suit involves several important steps. The first step is gathering evidence. This may include emails, contracts, or other documentation showing false claims made to the government. Railroad workers should note specifics, such as the dates and types of fraud they observe.
You must file a qui tam lawsuit under seal. This means it remains confidential, ensuring the accused party doesn’t know about the case while the government investigates. The investigation could take several months, or even longer. During this time, the whistleblower’s identity remains protected.
After the investigation, the government may decide to take over the case. Alternatively, it may decline to intervene. Even if the government doesn’t take control, the whistleblower can still pursue the claim privately. If the case is successful, the relator may receive a percentage of the recovered funds.
Moving forward
Filing a qui tam suit requires patience and careful action. For many railroad workers, the result is a sense of justice. Whether or not the government intervenes, helping expose fraud benefits the public and restores integrity to the contracting process. Whistleblowers play a vital role in ensuring fair and honest work in the railroad industry.