If you filed a qui tam action against your employer and your employer retaliated against you, the employer may have violated the federal False Claims Act. Qui tam employment retaliation deserves intervention from a lawyer who knows how to protect your rights. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.
Los Angeles Qui Tam Attorneys
Helping Clients Understand Employment and Commercial Law For Over 20 Years
The term "qui tam" is a Latin term with an easy-to-understand meaning. In qui tam actions employees inform government officials of wrong doing on the part of their employers. If the subsequent suit is successful and the employer ends up paying a penalty the employee, not the government receives the payment or a portion of it. Though technically different, qui tam actions are similar to whistleblowing claims.
Below we have provided some general information to educate you about how the law applies in qui tam cases. To get answers about your specific case, contact us to arrange a no-charge consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
Thank you for contacting Bononi Law Group, LLP. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
The attorneys of the Bononi Law Group, LLP, handle qui tam and other employment-related cases and disputes across southern California and are experienced litigators and counselors. When you retain our services you can rely on casework experience and our reputation for providing effective dispute resolution services. For a no-charge consultation, call 1-800-641-5548.
Do you suspect your employer has committed financial fraud or broken laws regarding health or environmental regulations, or other laws? Contact the experienced qui tam attorneys of the Bononi Law Group, LLP, for a free consultation.
Qui Tam - An Overview
If you have information that a company or individual has defrauded the federal government, you may be able to file a lawsuit known as a qui tam action. A qui tam action helps the government recover money that has been lost due to false claims and fraud. The individual who brings the qui tam action receives a percentage of the monetary award if the defendant is found liable to the government. If you have knowledge of fraud against the government, seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney at Bononi Law Group, LLP in Los Angeles, California.
Bringing a Qui Tam Action
Under the federal False Claims Act, an individual with knowledge of misconduct can file a qui tam action. A qui tam action alleges that a false claim has been submitted to the government. False claims include knowingly overcharging the government for products or services; charging for services that were never provided; selling something and not delivering it; making false reports about the quality of a product; failing to properly test a product; or another scheme intended to cheat, defraud or steal from the government.
When a private individual initiates the case, the complaint is filed "under seal." This means that the contents of the complaint are not released to the public for a period of time. A copy of the complaint is provided to the government and remains confidential for at least 60 days so that the government can complete an investigation. If the government then decides to participate in the case, federal attorneys will become involved. If the government does not intervene, the individual who filed the case usually can continue without the government, although the government retains the right to get involved at a later time.
Penalties and Damages in the Qui Tam Case
The defendant will be held liable if the judge or jury finds that a false claim was submitted with the knowledge that it was false; in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claim; or with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claim. The defendant will have to pay penalties and treble damages (triple the amount of damages the government sustained because of the defendant's acts). The court may also order the defendant to pay the costs, expenses and attorney's fees incurred in bringing the lawsuit.
Award for Bringing the Qui Tam Action
The False Claims Act includes an incentive for filing a qui tam action. The person who brings the action is usually entitled to receive 15 to 30 percent of the recovery. The exact amount depends on the circumstances of the case and the decision of the court.
Conclusion
Qui tam actions serve important governmental and public interests. They encourage anyone with knowledge of misconduct to protect the public treasury and the integrity of government contracts. If you know of fraud or dishonesty in a contract with the government, contact a qui tam litigation attorney at Bononi Law Group, LLP in Los Angeles, California.
Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
