Connecticut False Claims Act Attorney And Qui Tam Lawyer
Protecting Whistleblower Rights Under The False Claims Act
Many laws protect employees who blow the whistle on fraud or waste involving government funds. And under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA), individuals who report the misuse of federal or state funds can be awarded large bounties equal to a percentage of the government money involved (which often runs into the millions of dollars).
If you are being retaliated against because you raised concerns about the waste or misuse of federal or state money, I can help you protect your rights. Or if you know of the waste or misuse of federal or state money and are not sure what to do, call me to see if you may be entitled to a large FCA award. Any such calls will be held in the strictest confidence with no charge for the consultation..
The purpose of False Claims Act laws is to punish the dishonest use of government money and thus deter others from defrauding taxpayers. The FCA imposes triple damages against the defrauding party and entitles the whistleblower to a substantial share of the total recovery (usually 15 to 25 percent). However, due to the special procedures involved in FCA matters (including the filing of a complaint under a seal of secrecy), it is imperative that you not talk to anyone about your concerns until you have a chance to consult with a knowledgeable attorney.
Who Is Subject To A False Claim?
The False Claims Act applies to state or federally funded contracts or programs. It imposes liability on any person who submits a claim to the federal government that he or she knows (or should know) is false. Examples include health care providers claiming payment under Medicare or Medicaid, railroads that receive federal or state funds, and companies or contractors providing goods or services under Department of Defense contracts. But any business, contractor or group that directly or indirectly receives or uses federal or state grants or program funds is subject to a false claim action.
What Is A False Claim?
Any claim for payment presented to a state or federal government is actionable under the False Claims Act if the claim is made:
- With actual knowledge of the falsity of the claim
- With deliberate indifference to the truth or falsity of the claim
- With reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claim
The False Claims Act does not require that the person submitting the claim have actual knowledge the claim is false. Any person who merely acts in reckless disregard or in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claim information is liable.
Examples of false claims include falsifying a condition of payment; billing for tests or services not done; billing for inappropriate or unnecessary procedures or tests; double billing; billing for more expensive services than actually provided; billing for substandard care, services or goods; and failing to refund excess money owed to the government.
Also, state and federal governments often condition the receipt of funds on compliance with particular laws, regulations or industry standards. Examples would be requiring compliance with safety, labor, nondiscrimination, medical billing and environmental regulations and standards. It is a false claim for anyone to receive such government funds if they know they are not in compliance or they do not know whether they are in compliance.
Know Your Rights Before You Act: Call For A Free Consultation
False Claims Act cases can be worth millions of dollars to you, but your claim will be rendered worthless if you do not follow their special procedures. Before taking any action you may regret, call to discuss whether you have a case and, if so, how best to go about protecting your interests.
Learn more about the federal False Claims Act at these information links:
- Federal False Claims Act Primer
- New York False Claims Act
- New Jersey False Claims Act
- Washington, D.C., False Claims Act
Contact An Experienced New York False Claims Act Lawyer
From offices in New Haven, New York, and Washington, D.C., attorney Charles Goetsch provides legal representation for whistleblowers who are concerned about fraud involving government funds in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., and throughout the northeastern U.S. and across the nation. If you have information regarding fraud or waste involving any government money, get the legal guidance you need. Wherever you are in the Northeast or across the United States, call us toll free at 866-316-6825 or contact the office to arrange a free and strictly confidential consultation.