Whistleblower activity has exploded in areas like fraud against the government, with a marked increase in filings and recoveries under the False Claims Act as detailed in recent Department of Justice (DOJ) and agency reports.
Qui tam law, primarily under the False Claims Act (FCA), typically involves employees acting as whistleblowers (relators) to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against entities defrauding federal programs, such as through false billing or inflated claims.
Employees exposing their employers’ fraudulent practices, like overcharging government contracts or submitting inaccurate reimbursement requests, can intersect with retaliation protections if the employer responds adversely.
Recent findings show a surge in these claims, with whistleblowers driving the majority of enforcement actions and leading to unprecedented government recoveries.
For example, nationally, in a major healthcare case, a pharmacy chain settled for hundreds of millions after allegations of dispensing drugs without valid prescriptions to long-term care facilities, exposed by internal whistleblowers. Another prominent instance involved a defense contractor paying a substantial sum for allegedly inflating costs on military equipment contracts, again initiated by employee relators.
Closer to home, recent Wisconsin whistleblower claims resulted in million dollar settlements including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud in the automotive manufacturing industry and, in healthcare, a case involving allegations of kickbacks and improper financial incentives to physicians to refer Medicaid and Medicare patients to hospital systems.
Certainly, the most notable industries involved in whistleblower complaints include healthcare, where fraud like unnecessary services or kickbacks dominates; government procurement and defense, focusing on overpricing or substandard goods; and other emerging areas like cybersecurity compliance failures.
Damages in successful qui tam cases often involve triple damages (three times the government’s loss) plus civil penalties per false claim, with whistleblowers receiving a share of the recovery of as a reward for their role – anywhere from 15 to 25% in cases where the government intervenes and often more when the case is pursued independently.
Looking ahead, with heightened awareness, expanded enforcement priorities, advance fraud detection tools, and enhanced government incentives, a growth in whistleblower claims is expected. When you or a family member suspects fraud at your workplace involving government funds such as Medicare/Medicaid billing, government contracts, PPP loans, or similar schemes, becoming a whistleblower is not only worth pursuing but, also to hold those accountable and provide transparency.
Your first step is to consult with an experienced employment law attorney the specializes in False Claims Act cases. An experienced Qui Tam whistleblower attorney will evaluate the strength of your case, explain the overall process in bringing a whistleblower case, and will detail your whistleblower protections. Contact the attorneys at Alan C. Olson & Associates to discuss your concerns at 262-785-9606.
