If you suspect fraud against the government by your employer or another, you probably want to do the right thing and report it under the federal False Claims Act (FCA). To be a false claims act whistleblower, you need to hire a whistleblower attorney first – it’s the law.
But who you work with can make all the difference. Many firms have never handled a whistleblower case. Your ability to potentially receive a reward hinges in part on your lawyer’s ability to navigate your case effectively. You also want a whistleblower attorney who knows how to fight back against any employer retaliation and seek additional compensation for you.
In this article, I’ll tell you the top three mistakes to avoid when choosing the right whistleblower attorney for your FCA claim. I’ll also tell you about the FCA’s protections and potential rewards for whistleblowers who bring forth allegations of fraud against the government.
Is someone stealing from the government? Contact us online or call us at 1-888-292-8852 today for a free, confidential discussion. We can help you decide on the best course of action for you at no cost or obligation.
Mistake #1 – Risking your potential reward by not researching your options
You want a whistleblower lawyer with a strong track record of bringing False Claims Act whistleblower cases to a successful resolution. You may be entitled to up to 30% of the government’s recovery, but only in a successful case.
Here are some Questions to Ask When Hiring a Whistleblower/Qui Tam Attorney:
- How do you gather evidence and build my case?
- Have you tried or settled a case after the government declined to intervene?
- How many of your lawyers have previously worked for the government on whistleblower cases?
Mistake #2 – Not knowing how the False Claims Act’s whistleblower protections work
Unfortunately, retaliation can happen in whistleblower cases – but a skilled attorney can help you fight back.
Retaliation by your employer may include:
- Firing or demotion
- Pay cuts
- Forced isolation
- Relocation or reassignment
- Creating a hostile work environment
An experienced whistleblower attorney can advise you on what steps to take to properly report and file your claim and can help you seek compensation and other remedies (like getting your job back) if you’ve been retaliated against.
Mistake #3 – Not hiring a high-quality attorney due to cost
It’s a myth that you need a lot of money to hire a good whistleblower lawyer. At Carolina Whistleblower Attorneys, you can enlist a team led by a former U.S. Attorney with a track record of successfully resolving many False Claims Act cases on behalf of whistleblowers (and helping some become millionaires for their efforts).1,4
And you can do it with no upfront costs, no hourly costs, no retainer fee – and no attorney’s fee at all if we don’t get a reward for you. Guaranteed.2
Why do I need an attorney to file a qui tam lawsuit?
Courts have found that False Claims Act whistleblowers are required to hire an attorney to pursue a whistleblower claim. The law requires this because the whistleblower is representing the interests of the government. The whistleblower process can be complex and involve legal procedures that demand a lawyer’s knowledge and training. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you file a whistleblower claim that meets the government’s requirements.
Do you have a whistleblower case? For clarity on your case at no cost and no obligation (and with complete confidentiality), call us at 1-888-292-8852 or contact us online today.
How do the False Claims Act’s whistleblower protections work?
An experienced attorney in your corner who knows the False Claims Act’s whistleblower protections can help you seek monetary damages and other resolutions, like getting your job back, if you are retaliated against.
Your attorney can use False Claims Act whistleblower protections to help protect you, including:
- Preserving your anonymity during the government’s investigation of your case
- Helping you seek reinstatement if you were unfairly fired or demoted
- Helping you seek double back pay for any wages lost due to retaliation
How a qui tam whistleblower lawyer can help you
A highly-experienced whistleblower attorney can guide you through every step of the whistleblower process – including continuing with your case if the government chooses not to intervene.
While the government declining to intervene in your case could be a fatal blow to many whistleblowers, our team is led by Bill Nettles, who helped lead the U.S. in whistleblower cases as a former U.S. Attorney.1,4 That means we have the knowledge, resources, and experience to keep pursuing your whistleblower case even if the government drops out.
And if the case is successful, we’ll fight for you to receive the highest possible reward for your service – which could be life changing.
Why choose Carolina Whistleblower Attorneys to be your False Claims Act whistleblower lawyers?
Many attorneys have never handled a whistleblower case, but we’ve combined to help dozens of whistleblowers recover hundreds of millions of dollars. And counting.1,4
Our results include:1,4
- $18 million for a whistleblower who helped taxpayers recover $95 million in a settlement to resolve false claims allegations against Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup.
- $5.4 million for two whistleblowers who helped taxpayers recover $22.5 million in a settlement against Doctor’s Care, P.A. in South Carolina.
- $1.25 million for two whistleblowers who helped taxpayers recover $5 million from a moving company that was fraudulently overcharging the government in shipping costs.
- And many more.
Bill Nettles,* leader of the team at Carolina Whistleblower Attorneys, recovered more than $300 million in fraudulently obtained taxpayer dollars and made South Carolina one of the top four states for whistleblower recoveries in the nation during his tenure as U.S. Attorney.1,4
Bill used to be the one who decides which whistleblower cases the government pursues in South Carolina. Now in private whistleblower practice, Bill still knows who the government’s decision makers are and what they’re looking for in a False Claims Act case. And they know him.
Putting You First
Our You First policy means your needs are our top priority in every decision we make. That includes advancing all costs to pursue your case. And if we don’t get a reward for you, you pay us no attorney’s fee at all. Guaranteed.2
Do you have a case? What happens next? Should you quit your job? You may have a lot of questions if you suspect your employer or another of fraud against the government. We can answer your questions and help you decide on the best course of action for you going forward.
For a confidential discussion about your False Claims Act whistleblower case at no cost or obligation, contact us today at 1-888-292-8852.
*Bill Nettles is licensed only in SC.
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The Whistleblower Process in North and South Carolina: An Infographic
About the Author
John Warren knows how to help whistleblowers fight for what’s right. He has clerked in state and two levels of federal court, is an adjunct law professor, and has spent his private practice career working alongside White House appointed U.S. Attorneys. He knows how to work with the government on whistleblower cases, and he’s got a formidable track record of experience and significant recoveries.1
Contact the Carolina
Whistleblower Attorneys
If you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to speak with a whistleblower lawyer about what you know, let us set the record straight.
- Corporate ethics hotlines can be risky and may lead to termination. If you’ve already done this, call us immediately.
- Your coworkers could be aware of the fraud – or complicit in it – and you should not talk to them about it.
- The first claim to be filed under the False Claims Act can proceed – if you’re not first, you’re at a serious disadvantage and may get nothing (another reason not to speak to your coworkers about it).
- A confidential discussion costs you a few minutes, but could save you time, stress, and money.
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