Railroad workers sometimes find themselves in difficult positions. The companies that they work for provide critical services for the country and may play a role in maintaining railway infrastructure. As such, they may directly bill the government for certain services.
In some cases, employees may learn that railroad companies have engaged in fraudulent billing. They overcharged or submitted invoices for work that the company did not actually complete. In such cases, employees may feel compelled to act as whistleblowers.
Filing a qui tam lawsuit is one way to act as a whistleblower. Railroad workers who take legal action against their employers may be eligible for compensation if the lawsuit succeeds.
Relators have a right to compensation.
A qui tam lawsuit involves an employee acting as a relator. They file a lawsuit against their employer on behalf of the federal government. These lawsuits allow the government to hold businesses accountable for fraudulent billing under the False Claims Act. According to federal data, qui tam lawsuits resulted in the recovery of $2.9 billion just in 2024.
The relators initiating those lawsuits received a portion of those funds. Depending on the circumstances, workers who pursue litigation can receive between 15% and 30% of the amount recovered. Whether the government intervenes in the case is one of the deciding factors regarding the amount of compensation awarded to a relator.
Discussing questionable billing activity with a skilled legal team can help workers determine if they need to act as whistleblowers. They may need help gathering evidence and learning about their legal protections. Professionals who know their rights under the False Claims Act can take steps to protect the public and hold their employers accountable.
Subscribe To This Blog's Feed