Whistleblower Claims
Blowing the whistle on fraud or wrongdoing is a brave decision that can impact your career and reputation. Our team of dedicated whistleblower attorneys is here to support you every step of the way. With decades of experience, we help individuals like you navigate the complex process of filing whistleblower claims to achieve a fair and rewarding outcome.
Before reporting fraud, it’s essential to gather all necessary documentation and ensure your claim is valid under federal or state False Claims Acts. We will help you build a strong case and guide you through the process to achieve a settlement or judgment.
If you witness fraud, waste, or abuse affecting a government-funded agency or program, you can take action by suing on behalf of the government. Successful cases can earn whistleblowers a reward of up to 30% of the total recovery. If you have direct knowledge of fraudulent activities causing waste and abuse of federal funds, you might have a whistleblower case.
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Dee Miles Consumer Fraud Section Head Montgomery, AL -
Jessica Haynes Principal Mobile, AL -
Lance Gould Principal Montgomery, AL -
Larry Golston Principal Montgomery, AL -
Lauren Miles Principal Montgomery, AL -
Leon Hampton Principal Montgomery, AL -
Tyner Helms Principal Montgomery, AL
Rights & Protections
The False Claims Act (FCA), also known as the Qui Tam statute, is a law from 1863 that empowers citizens to sue on behalf of the U.S. government if they witness fraud. In 1986, Congress enhanced incentives for whistleblowers under the FCA, leading to significant recoveries. In 2016, the FCA helped recover over $4.7 billion. By 2020, over $2.2 billion was returned to federal programs, with $1.8 billion from healthcare fraud cases alone. Whistleblowers received $309 million in rewards that year.
Those who submit false claims for government funds face heavy fines and must repay three times the government’s losses. Whistleblowers can earn 15-30% of the recovered amount. If the government takes over the case, the whistleblower receives 15-25% of the recovery. If the whistleblower continues on their own, they can potentially earn up to 30%.
The False Claims Act (FCA) also safeguards whistleblowers from retaliation. If you experience negative actions like being fired or demoted for reporting fraud, you can be reinstated to your position and receive back pay, interest, and other compensation.
Additionally, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 provides further protections for federal employees who report misconduct. It prohibits retaliation and allows employees to file complaints about violations, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or dangers to public health or safety.
Beyond the False Claims Act, several other programs protect whistleblowers:
- IRS Whistleblower Law: Protects those reporting tax fraud.
- SEC Office of the Whistleblower: Established by the Dodd-Frank Act to prevent securities fraud.
- CFTC Whistleblower Program: Also, under the Dodd-Frank Act, it offers incentives for reporting violations of the Commodity Exchange Act.
- Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act: Passed in 2015 to address automotive defects and coverups.
These programs ensure the privacy and confidentiality of whistleblowers and provide protection against employer retaliation.
Types of Whistleblowers
Many people know famous whistleblowers like Jeffrey Wigand, Mark Felt, Harry Markopolos, Karen Silkwood, and Edward Snowden. However, most whistleblowers fight quieter battles, often staying anonymous. Their actions are still incredibly valuable, acting as the eyes and ears for detecting wrongdoing when the government can’t oversee everything.
Whistleblowers can come from any industry, but they’re especially important in areas where fraud, waste, and abuse can lead to big financial gains or serious risks to public health and safety. Examples include:
- Health Care Fraud: Hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies sometimes engage in fraudulent billing, illegal kickbacks, and off-label drug marketing, costing taxpayers billions.
- IRS Whistleblowers: Those who provide credible information about tax evasion can receive rewards if their tips lead to the collection of taxes, penalties, or interest.
- SEC Whistleblowers: Established in 2010, the SEC’s Office of the Whistleblower helps tackle financial and securities fraud, especially after the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
- Auto Manufacturing Whistleblowers: Protected under the MAP-21 Act, these whistleblowers help ensure auto safety by reporting misconduct and violations.
- Aerospace Whistleblowers: Workers in the aerospace industry can report fraud or safety violations that threaten the operation of aircraft and related technology.
- Defense Contractor Whistleblowers: These individuals are crucial for exposing fraud against the U.S. government and ensuring the safety of servicemembers.
- Nuclear Power Whistleblowers: Given the high stakes in the nuclear industry, whistleblowers here are vital for maintaining security and safety.
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