New Jersey Qui Tam & False Claims Act Attorney Serving Nationwide
Sometimes being a whistleblower means even more than upholding the law or objecting to or refusing to participate in conduct that is fraudulent, illegal or in violation of public policy. Sometimes your employer is doing one of the worst things it can do – it’s cheating the state of New Jersey or the United States out of tax dollars, grant money or other funds.
What is the False Claims Act?
The Federal False Claims Act is an act that encourages, protects and potentially rewards someone who “relates” to federal authorities evidence of fraud against the United States government. When someone files a lawsuit in a qui tam matter, the person is not a “plaintiff” but rather a special type of whistleblower called a “relator.”
Steps To Take If You Believe You’ve Encountered Evidence of Fraud or False Claims
- Tell no one and keep any evidence secure & confidential: Alerting the wrong individuals can jeopardize your case and status as a relator.
- Contact an attorney experienced with Qui Tam matters: They will help you carefully take the first steps towards justice and recovery
- Continue with your normal routine: Do not make big life changes or leave your job without discussing with your lawyer
Why Maximizing Your Case Requires Strategic Legal Counsel
The difference between a minimal reward and a maximized recovery lies in legal strategy. Experienced qui tam attorneys like those at Costello & Silverman understand how to build a compelling case, negotiate with government agencies, and protect you from retaliation, ensuring your contribution is valued and worth the time and effort.
There are specific procedural requirements that must be followed in such a lawsuit, and so it’s important that if you think you are a qui tam relator, that you do not discuss this status with anyone else before consulting with attorneys who know exactly how to file qui tam lawsuits, such as the Super Lawyer-rated employment and civil rights lawyers at Costello & Silverman
Federal vs. New Jersey Qui Tam Laws
Both federal and state laws provide avenues for whistleblowers to report fraud. Knowing which statute to leverage is critical for building a successful qui tam lawsuit.
The Federal False Claims Act (FCA): A National Framework
The federal False Claims Act is the primary law used to combat fraud against the federal government. It covers false claims related to national programs like Medicare, military contracts, and other federal spending, providing a robust framework for whistleblowers across the country.
The New Jersey False Claims Act (NJFCA): State-Specific Protections and Rewards
The New Jersey False Claims Act mirrors its federal counterpart but targets fraud against the state and local governments. This includes false claims submitted to New Jersey programs such as state Medicaid, public works projects, and pension funds.
Navigating Government Intervention (and Non-Intervention)
If your evidence of an employer’s defrauding of the United States government is sound, and if the matter is successfully litigated either by us or in conjunction with the United States Attorney and the United States Department of Justice, you may be entitled to what is called a “relator’s share” of whatever money the government recovers. These amounts can range anywhere from 10 to 20 percent on the low end, if the Department of Justice takes over, to as much as 25 or 30 percent if we pursue the matter ourselves without the aid of the DOJ. Your share of the recovery depends on factors like the quality of your information, your assistance in the investigation, and whether the government takes on the case.
Recognizing Common Types of Fraud and False Claims
The types of fraud that are covered by the qui tam statute might include health care fraud, Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, government contracting fraud, false information given to obtain grants or subsidies, or any other false information, whether knowingly provided by the employer or not, which results in fraudulently obtained money going to your employer.
Negotiating for Your Highest Possible Award
The Costello & Silverman, law firm accepts these cases on a “contingent” basis, which means that we take all of the financial risks, and that’s only fair since you’re taking the biggest risk of all by “blowing the whistle” in a qui tam matter.
The qui tam statute provides protection to “relators” who blow the whistle very similar to the protections afforded by New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act.
Call Costello & Silverman today at 866-944-3371 (toll-free) or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation with an attorney highly experienced in whistleblower and qui tam ca.