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A federal law called the False
Claims Act provides a way for a private individual to bring an
action on behalf of the federal government to recover the
wasting of federal funds. A successful whistleblower is
entitled to a percentage of the funds recovered. The
percentage varies between 15 and 30% of the total recovery.
The False Claims Act covers all
kinds of fraud against the government including such matters
as false claims submitted to Medicare or Medicaid and
government contract fraud. In the past decade, healthcare
fraud has become a major area of litigation. These lawsuits
are usually based on providers filing claims for services
never rendered, unnecessary services, and cost report
misrepresentations.
The False Claims Act provides
for severe penalties which can include a potential recovery of
up to three times the amount of the money involved in the
fraud. The act also carries penalties of up to $11,000.00 for
each false claim submitted.
If you believe that you have
information that may constitute a False Claim Act case, you
should
contact a lawyer
immediately. Whistleblower Claims FAQsWhat is the False Claims Act
(Qui tam)?
What is the liability for
violating the False Claims Act?
What actions are considered
violations under the False Claims Act?
Who can file a Qui tam action?
What are the civil penalties
under the False Claims Act?
Can there be more than one
private plaintiff in a particular Qui tam lawsuit?
Is there a deadline for filing
a Qui tam action?
How long does a Qui tam action
take?
Do I have to report the fraud
that I know about to the Government or my employer before
filing a Qui tam action?
Can I keep my identity a
secret if I file a Qui tam action?
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