Roanoke, VA Whistleblower Lawyer & False Claims Act/Qui Tam Attorney
Whistleblower cases brought under the False Claims Act (sometimes referred to as “qui tam” actions) are complicated, as they often involve millions of dollars at stake and serious claims of fraud (which may even have criminal ramifications for the alleged wrongdoers).
While successful cases can lead to substantial recoveries by the government and the whistleblower initiating the prosecution, whistleblowers often place their careers and public reputation in jeopardy to stand up for what’s right. As a result, some individuals may also be subjected to financial and emotional hardship, particularly if a company chooses to retaliate.
As a Roanoke, VA whistleblower attorney, Mark Hurt is proud to help individuals fight for justice and accountability in matters involving government fraud. Skilled at taking on companies of all sizes, Mark Hurt stands ready to help you protect your rights and maximize the recovery when you are ready to move forward with a government fraud case. Mark can also tenaciously fight to protect you from illegal retaliation, such as termination, demotion, or other unjust acts.
What is a False Claims Act / Qui Tam Lawsuit?
Qui tam actions are a specific type of whistleblower case involving allegations that a company or other entity or person has committed fraud against the government, such as (but not limited to):
- Medicare Fraud
- Medicaid Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Contractor Fraud
- Customs Fraud
- Any Other Fraud Involving Government Funds
The federal False Claims Act and the Virginia False Claims Act allow private citizens to bring lawsuits to recover money for the government. If successful, the whistleblower may be awarded up to 30% of the recovered funds, which can be significant. For example, in 2021, a whistleblower was awarded $114 million, the highest amount ever distributed to a single individual.
How Does the Whistleblower Process Work?
Federal and Virginia False Claim Act cases are often challenging, as the stakes can be high. As an experienced False Claims Act lawyer, Mark Hurt has a deep understanding of the law and extensive experience tenaciously defending the rights of whistleblowers.
As a first step, we offer a free initial consultation with firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt to discuss the facts of a case. Our qui tam team will study the allegations and applicable law and conduct any necessary investigations (with your input). If a case is worth further examination, we will discuss the particulars of an engagement with a prospective client before commencing the representation.
If a case is accepted, the next step will entail executing a representation agreement and to answer any questions that you may have. Then, our dedicated team will begin building a compelling case and initiating litigation.
It’s important to understand that in False Claims Act cases, the federal government has the right to prosecute the case (with input from our firm and the whistleblower). Regardless of whether we ultimately prosecute the case or whether the case is prosecuted by the government, whistleblowers are still entitled to a reward per the terms of the False Claims Act statute if compensation is recovered by the government.
My Employer Is Retaliating Against Me. What Should I Do?
OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program and other regulations enforce whistleblower laws protecting employees from retaliation for reporting various workplace wrongdoing and for engaging in certain protected conduct. Retaliation occurs when an employer fires an employee or takes other malicious action, such as:
- Laying Off a Worker
- Demoting an Individual
- Denying Promotions
- Disciplining
- Denying Benefits
- Failing to Hire or Rehire
- Making Threats
- Reducing Hours
- Changing Pay
- Blacklisting
- Constructive Discharge
- Threatening to Report or Reporting an Immigrant to the Police or Immigration
Despite retaliatory conduct being prohibited, whistleblowers still commonly face unfavorable treatment, including wrongful termination, which can be both financially and emotionally devastating. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we will do everything in our power to uphold your rights and pursue protection from illegal retribution. And, if you are subjected to wrongful termination, we will initiate separate action against your employer for their illegal conduct.
Roanoke Whistleblower Attorney Mark Hurt Advances Litigation Expenses.
Successful False Claims Act whistleblower cases can require significant resources, both in building a compelling case and, in some instances, in litigating against defendants. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have extensive resources, allowing us to advance litigation expenses while a case is ongoing.
Not only do we regularly work with financial, medical, and other professionals, building a compelling case for maximum compensation, but firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt has decades of litigation experience and a reputation for success in whistleblower cases, and has achieved a $6.85 million recovery for the federal government in a Medicaid fraud case brought by whistleblowers.
Learn About Our False Claims Act and Whistleblower Case Experience.
As a Roanoke False Claim Act lawyer, Mark Hurt and his team are well-positioned to represent clients in qui tam and other fraud. We invite you to explore our website, where you can find answers to many frequently asked questions, and to contact our firm.
Call our office to schedule a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION to learn about your rights as a potential whistleblower and whether you have an actionable case.
Client Review
“Words can’t begin to explain how appreciative I am for the services that the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt provided. I live out of state, so I was concerned about being present for a ticket I got for reckless driving. But, after speaking with Brooke about it, I felt relieved and confident that it would be taken care of in the most professional way possible and I was 100% right! Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism in which you handled my case.”
Shana Graham
CLICK HERE to view our case results.
