Abingdon Whistleblower Lawyer & False Claims Act/Qui Tam Attorney
The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt offers a free initial consultation and representation to individuals in cases involving the protection and reward programs under the federal False Claims Act, as well as the Virginia False Claims Act and similar federal and state laws.
Private citizens can bring forward what are known as “qui tam” lawsuits under the False Claims Act concerning fraud against the federal government. Generally, an individual (referred to as a “relator”) files a case on the government’s behalf, seeking to recover funds that were fraudulently obtained. If fraud is proven, the whistleblower who filed the successful qui tam action may be entitled to a significant reward. Stiff penalties are often levied for government fraud; consequently, a relator’s recovery can be millions of dollars.
If you are aware of fraud being committed against the government, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with experienced Abingdon, VA qui tam attorney Mark Hurt.
As a False Claims Act lawyer with decades of experience, Mark can explain the whistleblowing process, the protection to which you may be entitled from illegal retaliation (such as job termination), and your rights if you are subjected to such retaliation.
What Is Qui Tam Fraud?
Qui tam fraud involves any situation in which an individual, contractor, local government, or other party defrauds the government. Such activity can include:
- Government Contractor Fraud
- Procurement Fraud
- Medicare Fraud (e.g., overbilling, ordering false procedures, false documentation, etc.)
- Medicaid Fraud
- Grant Fraud
- Falsifying Documentation & Certifications
- Guaranteed Loan Fraud
- Student Loan & Education Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Bid Rigging
- Overcharging
- Customs Fraud
- Countervailing Duty Fraud
- Export Duty Fraud
- Import Duty Fraud
- Misclassification of Goods
- Off-Label Sales of Drugs & Medical Devices
- Any Activity that Steals Taxpayer Money from U.S. Citizens
These are only a few examples of actions for which qui tam claims may be brought; many other situations and conduct can serve as a basis for a False Claims Act action. As an experienced Abingdon, VA Whistleblower Lawyer, Mark Hurt can evaluate the specific facts of your case and explain whether you have a valid claim that may be worth pursuing.
How Much Can I Collect For Whistleblowing?
If a federal False Claims Act case is successful, relators are typically entitled to a reward of 15% to 20% of recovered funds if the government intervenes, or 25% to 30% if the government chooses not to intercede. Qui tam actions often involve millions of dollars; consequently, a relator’s recovery can be significant. For example, in 2019 alone, whistleblowers were awarded over $270,000,000 in compensation.
Under federal law, the first person to file a case usually recovers an entire reward. Thus, whistleblowers should refrain from discussing alleged fraudulent conduct with other parties, as another individual can obtain the full compensation if they file first.
Do I Need A False Claims Act Lawyer to File A Qui Tam Lawsuit?
Lawsuits involving qui tam fraud are complex, the stakes are typically significant, and multiple parties are often involved. Therefore, it can be vital to secure the representation of an experienced Abingdon qui tam lawyer who can:
- Protect Whistleblowers from Illegal Retaliation for Reporting Fraud
- Conduct a Thorough Investigation
- Monitor Deadlines
- File Legal Paperwork
- Communicate with Government Officials
- Build A Compelling Case For Maximum Compensation
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we help to hold wrongdoers accountable for defrauding the United States Government and taxpaying citizens.
Do I Have to Pay For A False Claims Act Lawsuit On the Government’s Behalf?
While a whistleblower is responsible for the initial phases of a qui tam lawsuit, legitimate and valid cases are often taken over by the government. Even if the government does not take over a case, our firm will secure the necessary funding and resources need to litigate a qui tam lawsuit. Whistleblowers thus do not need to be concerned about litigation costs or expenses. And, as we are only paid out of compensation recovered by the government, whistleblowers also do not need to be concerned about the payment of legal fees while a case is ongoing.
If I Believe I Have A Valid Qui Tam Case, What Should I Do?
If you believe you have a valid False Claims Act case, we encourage you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with experienced whistleblower attorney Mark Hurt. He can evaluate your case and help decide whether it could be potentially fruitful to pursue qui tam litigation.
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
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