Whistleblower Actions / Federal False Claims Act

Qui Tam Lawyer Helping Individuals in Spartanburg and Greenville

Unfortunately, private entities do not always act in a way that takes the public interest into account. In many cases, employees may become aware that their employers are engaging in fraudulent and illegal conduct, putting them in a difficult situation. To help encourage people who discover information implicating their employers in fraud, the federal government enacted the False Claims Act. This law allows people who are aware of fraudulent actions by private entities to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States. If the lawsuit is successful, the defendant must pay the federal government three times the amount of money that the defendant obtained through fraudulent means. The person who brought the initial lawsuit receives a percentage of that amount. Greenville and Spartanburg whistleblower attorney Patrick E. Knie helps people report fraud under the federal False Claims Act and protect their rights when they do.

Holding Private Entities Accountable for Fraud Against the Government

Federal False Claims Act cases are often referred to as whistleblower actions because an employee comes forward and calls out a company for its fraudulent and illegal conduct. If, as a result of your employment with a private entity, you obtain information indicating that your employer is engaged in fraud against the federal government, you can file a claim in district court on behalf of the United States that exposes the defendant’s actions.

There are many different ways in which a company can commit fraud against the federal government. Entities that bid on government contracts may not submit honest bids, or they may include charges for work that was not performed. Also, companies sometimes attempt to commit fraud in their interactions with the U.S. Postal Service or U.S. customs and shipping. Companies involved in environmental activities may submit fraudulent reports to the government to conceal environmental harm, while insurance programs and government loan programs also create opportunities for fraud.

One of the primary deterrents for employees who have information about wrongdoing against the government is the fear of retaliation by their employers if they come forward. Some employers threaten their employees with termination if they reveal information, while others unfortunately threaten employees by using intimidation and harassment. If you have information that may implicate your employer, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you and your rights are protected. There are a number of mechanisms that are designed to ensure that employees with information do not also face liability and that they are protected from retaliation. They may be able to seek reinstatement, back pay, punitive damages, and other remedies if they prevail in a retaliation claim.

Contact a Whistleblower Attorney in Greenville or Spartanburg

If you have information implicating your employer in fraud against the federal government, you should contact an experienced False Claims Act attorney as soon as possible. Spartanburg and Greenville whistleblower lawyer Patrick E. Knie serves residents of Union, Laurens, Cherokee, and Greenville Counties. He can assist employees throughout South Carolina with holding their employers accountable without jeopardizing their livelihood. We can provide you with the personal attention that you deserve. Call us at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.