If you have acted as a whistleblower or are planning on whistleblowing, a Texas whistle blower attorney may be able to help protect you under the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act protects a private individual, or “whistleblower,” to sue on behalf of the government when the whistleblower has knowledge of any fraud on the federal government. In these cases, the whistleblower may be able to recover damages and civil penalties.
Rewards for Relators
When the suit results in success, the fraudulent conduct is stopped, and similar conduct is deterred in the future. Successful suits may result in large financial gains for the Relator as a reward for whistleblowing. The Relator, who is the person bringing the suit, may receive a share of up to 30 percent of the government’s recovery. Generally, only the first Relator to file a lawsuit can be rewarded, even if a different person first uncovers the fraud.
History of the False Claims Act
The False Claims Act was enacted during the Civil War and is also known as the “Informer’s Act,” “Lincoln Act,” and “Qui Tam statute.” The False Claims Act was originally created to provide incentive and protections for whistleblowers who sought to put an end to dishonesty on the part of suppliers to the Union military. Today, the size of the federal government and the many programs under it make it difficult for the government to investigate fraud. Whistleblowers are still an important asset to the government in this regard. Since 1986, when the statute was further bolstered to make it more rewarding for whistleblowers, more than 4,000 suits have been filed. As a result, the government has recovered over $6 billion, and $960 million has been compensated for Relators.
Contact a Texas Whistle Blower Attorney
If you are a whistleblower or are planning on becoming one, contact Brylak Law at (210) 372-8111 for a consultation. While the rewards are often great for whistleblowers, the process may result in damage to your career without an attorney to help protect you. Reporting fraud on behalf of the federal government may be safer under the guidance of an experienced Texas whistle blower attorney.
