Whistleblower Claims

Choosing to come forward with evidence that an employer or company may be committing fraud against the government is a brave and honorable act. Individuals who file a whistleblower lawsuit (also called a false claims act or qui tam lawsuit) play a pivotal role in the detection, investigation and prosecution of fraud against the government and, by extension, against all citizens. It has been estimated that up to 10% of government spending is wasted due to fraud and abuse.

The federal False Claims Act, which dates back to Civil War profiteering, authorizes private persons to sue on behalf of the government as well as themselves to recover money stolen by fraud and abuse. The False Claims Act, which was amended by Congress in 1986 to better fight fraud among military contractors, rewards and protects whistleblowers that have the courage to come forward with evidence of corporate wrongdoing and/or fraudulent conduct.

A whistleblower may receive up to 25% of any money that the government recovers as a result of his qui tam lawsuit. Since 1987, the United States Department of Justice has recovered $27.2 billion as the result of qui tam lawsuits and whistleblowers have received rewards totaling $4.2 billion. Many states have similar laws which are modeled on the federal statute.

Qui tam lawsuits can be brought against any organization, even government entities, that violate a law or regulation. There are many different types of qui tam lawsuits. Whistleblower cases are frequently filed against healthcare providers who submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, including pharmaceutical companies that promote and market their drugs deceptively or for unapproved “off label” uses. Other important qui tam lawsuits are brought against defense contractors who cheat the government by overcharging or providing defective goods or services.

Types of prominent whistleblower cases include:

• Aerospace Fraud
  
• Defense Contractor Fraud
• Healthcare Fraud - Medicare/Medicaid
• Hospice Care Fraud
• Mortgage Fraud
• Pharmaceutical Fraud
• Securities Fraud
• Tax Fraud

If you have witnessed or are aware of potentially fraudulent behavior that could be costing the government money, you have the right and duty to expose it. Whether you are a high ranking official within a company, an employee or even a bystander who becomes aware of corporate misconduct, filing a qui tam lawsuit requires the assistance of legal professionals with experience handling these complicated cases.

At Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, our whistleblower attorneys have dedicated themselves to public safety and public health advocacy for over two decades. The firm has litigated over 5,000 significant cases against large corporations involving the false claims act, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death and product liability cases and has developed a sophisticated system for carrying out thorough investigations into company misconduct. 

Representing whistleblowers is a continuation of our legacy of seeking the truth, obtaining justice and holding unethical companies accountable. If you are aware of corporate wrongdoing or possibly fraudulent activity, we encourage you to contact a Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman whistleblower lawyer immediately so that your case can be properly evaluated. If you decide to go forward and file a qui tam lawsuit, we will ensure your rights are fully protected and that you receive any reward to which you are entitled.