Qui Tam is Latin for “whistleblower” and provides ordinary citizens with the tools to file lawsuits against an individual or a company that has successfully defrauded the United States government. Plaintiffs in qui tam cases are referred to as the “Relators”, and often are former (or current) employees of the company they’re filing against.
Qui tam cases were established by law under the False Claims Act and require extensive knowledge of the law for compensation to be rewarded (the relator receives 15 to 30 percent of the amount compensated to the government, which is three times the amount of the government’s losses). These cases are filed in federal court and the investigation is done in secret, from both the public and the defendant, for the first sixty days. Very often the investigation requires more time and the secrecy seal’s duration can be extended.
The False Claims Act also protects Relators from retaliation by their former employer. This includes job reinstatement and compensation for damages the Relator might have sustained due to retaliation.
If you are aware of any fraud against the government, it’s imperative that you contact an attorney today to begin the lengthy investigation and provide you with protection. Please contact Robbins & Associates of Atlanta, Georgia today to receive the guidance you need.