Qui Tam Whistleblower Rewards

Eligible Whistleblowers Can Receive Substantial Rewards Under the False Claims Act’s Qui Tam Provisions

The federal False Claims Act is one of several whistleblower reward laws that provide financial incentives for exposing fraud and other forms of wrongdoing. Under the False Claims Act, eligible whistleblowers who initiate a qui tam case on the government’s behalf can receive a reward of between 15% and 30% of the amount recovered if their case leads to a successful enforcement action.

If you think you may be eligible to file a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act, our attorneys can help you make an informed decision about coming forward—and, if you decide to come forward, we can file a qui tam complaint on your behalf. We have extensive experience representing private citizens in qui tam whistleblower cases, and we can use our experience to help maximize your chances of securing a whistleblower award.

Whistleblower Rewards in Qui Tam Lawsuits Under the False Claims Act

The federal government relies heavily on whistleblowers to expose violations of the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act prohibits “false and fraudulent” claims under federal contracts, grants, and programs, and it serves as one of the government’s primary tools for recovering taxpayer dollars lost to fraud.

The False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions allow private citizens to expose “false and fraudulent” claims by filing lawsuits on the government’s behalf in federal court. Qui tam whistleblowers are entitled to confidentiality and anti-retaliation protections, and they can become entitled to monetary rewards when they help the government recover taxpayer funds.

Here are some key facts to know about whistleblower rewards in qui tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act:

• Whistleblowers Can Receive Rewards for Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse – Qui tam claims filed under the False Claims Act can involve many forms of fraud, waste, and abuse. This includes everything from fraud under government contracts (including defense contracts) to fraud under Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal government programs.
• Whistleblower Rewards Are Only Available in Successful Qui Tam Actions – Under the False Claims Act, rewards are available to individuals who file whistleblower reports that lead to successful enforcement actions. A qui tam case is considered “successful” if the government recovers money (i.e., civil monetary fines or criminal penalties) from the defendant.
• Whistleblower Rewards Are Calculated as a Percentage of the Government’s Recovered Funds – As we mentioned above, qui tam whistleblower rewards generally range from 15% to 30% of the amount the government receives in a successful case. As we discuss in greater detail below, several factors go into determining a successful whistleblower’s specific reward percentage.

It is also important to know that filing a qui tam action under the False Claims Act is not the only way to secure a whistleblower reward. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and several other federal law enforcement agencies also administer whistleblower programs. If you have information about a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violation, securities fraud, tax fraud, or any other violation not covered under the False Claims Act, you may need to come forward under one of these programs instead. Our attorneys can explain your options based on the specific information you have in your possession.

What Potential Whistleblowers Need to Know About Serving as a Qui Tam Relator  

As a prospective False Claims Act whistleblower (or “qui tam relator”), it is critical to ensure that you are making informed decisions. Here are some more key facts to consider:

1. Rewards Are Available to Eligible False Claims Act Whistleblowers

Qui tam rewards are available to eligible individuals who file whistleblower claims under the False Claims Act. To establish your eligibility, you must file a timely claim based on original information that the government can use to pursue legal action in federal court. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be. With that said, you may need to be careful about taking or copying records you do not already have in your possession. Our attorneys can guide you forward.

2. Reward Eligibility Requires a Successful Prosecution Leading to Monetary Sanctions

To receive a whistleblower reward, you must assist the federal government with pursuing a successful enforcement action. Otherwise qualified whistleblowers will not receive rewards if their cases do not lead to the recovery of taxpayer funds. If you help the government recover taxpayer funds, you may become entitled to receive a percentage of the monetary sanctions collected.

3. Reward Amounts Are Determined Based on Government Intervention and Other Factors

While qui tam whistleblower award amounts generally range from 15% to 30% of the monetary sanctions collected, specific reward amounts are determined based on several factors. These factors include (but are not limited to):

• The value of the information a whistleblower provides in his or her qui tam complaint and the amount of evidence provided;
• The level of additional assistance a whistleblower provides during the government’s investigation;
• Whether the government intervenes in the case (i.e., the government joins the litigation and pursues civil or criminal enforcement action in federal court);
• Whether more than one whistleblower comes forward with original information related to the same violation of federal law; and,
• Whether a whistleblower directly participated in the fraud which he or she has disclosed to the federal government through a qui tam lawsuit.

While direct participation can result in an otherwise qualified whistleblower losing his or her reward eligibility in certain circumstances, “culpable whistleblowers” will still be eligible to receive a reward in many cases. If you need to know more about serving as a culpable whistleblower, our attorneys can explain everything you need to know.

4. An Experienced Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help You Make Informed Decisions

As a federal whistleblower law firm, we routinely advise clients who are thinking about coming forward under the False Claims Act. If you are thinking about serving as a qui tam whistleblower, our attorneys can help you make informed decisions. This includes helping you make an informed decision about coming forward under the False Claims Act or one of the other federal whistleblower protection laws that entitle whistleblowers to a percentage of the government’s total recovery in successful cases.

5. An Experienced Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Reward Eligibility

When we represent federal whistleblowers, we work directly with the federal government on behalf of our clients to help maximize their reward eligibility. In qui tam cases, if the government intervenes, our team works alongside the government as it works to secure monetary sanctions. If the government declines to intervene, we help our clients decide whether to continue pursuing their cases independently—and, if they decide to do so, we work to secure a favorable verdict that entitles them to up to 30% of the funds recovered.

FAQs: Qui Tam Whistleblower Rewards Under the False Claims Act Protections and Rewards

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Qui Tam Whistleblower Lawyer Today

If you would like more information about serving as a qui tam whistleblower and seeking a monetary reward under the False Claims Act, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To speak with a senior qui tam whistleblower lawyer at our firm in strict confidence as soon as possible, call us at 866-320-3959 or tell us how we can reach you online now.