Do you believe your employer is defrauding the government? Have you reported fraud and been retaliated against? We can help. Contact a competent Providence, Rhode Island False Claims Act lawyer from the Herman Law Group today to learn more about whistleblower claims, the protections you’re afforded, and how we can assist you through each phase of the process ahead.
Whistleblower Lawyer | Offering Protection Under the Whistleblower Claims & False Claims Act
Whistleblowers are an important part of any workforce, as they keep tabs on employers and ensure they’re following the law and company policy. If you reported an injustice or wrongdoing in the workplace and were retaliated against, just know that the law, as well as our Providence County, Rhode Island employment lawyer, are in your corner.
Whistleblower (Qui Tam) Claims
The Whistleblower (Qui Tam) provision of the False Claims Act allows a private citizen with information that a company has submitted fraudulent or false claims to the federal government to bring a lawsuit to recover the stolen funds. In addition to the federal False Claims Act, many states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, have enacted similar False Claims Act statutes.
What are Whistleblowers Entitled to?
The private citizen who brings a successful qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act is entitled to an award of between 15% and 30% of the funds recovered by the government. Whistleblowers have been rewarded millions of dollars.
Our clients have been involved in cases that were responsible for the recovery of over $40 million dollars and have received whistleblower rewards in the millions of dollars.
Common Types of Fraudulent & False Claims
Medicare and Medicaid Billing Fraud
- Submitting false claims to Medicare or Medicaid
- Submitting claims for unnecessary care, treatment, tests, medical devices, or equipment
- Over-billing, upcoding or unbundling services
- Fraudulent cost reporting
- Billing for services not provided
- Failing to provide the required quality of care
- Receiving or paying kickbacks
Government Contracts
- Defense/Military Contracts including submitting claims for substandard or defective equipment and parts or foreign-made products
- Government Construction Projects
- Pharmaceutical Fraud, including off-label promotion, overcharging the Government, and providing kickbacks to physicians
- Federally Subsidized or Guaranteed Loans and Mortgages
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC now provides individuals with rewards of 10% to 30% of the amount of sanctions and penalties the SEC imposes on wrongdoers as a result of a whistleblower’s information.
IRS
Under the IRS Whistleblower law, a private citizen who reports tax underreporting to the government may be entitled to a reward of between 15% and 30% of the IRS recovery. Under federal and state False Claims Acts, it is unlawful to retaliate against an employee who reports fraud against the government.
Whistleblower Retaliation
Employers are legally prohibited from taking adverse actions against an employee who is a whistleblower, no matter the type of whistleblowing. Some of the most common forms of retaliation we see against whistleblowers are as follows:
- Firing, laying off, or demoting an employee
- Denying overtime, promotion, or benefits
- Disciplining, intimidation, or harassment
- Failing to hire or rehire, or reassigning an employee to a less desirable position
- Reducing pay or hours
- Isolating, ostracizing, mocking, or falsely accusing the employee of poor performance
- Blacklisting or intentionally interfering with an employee’s ability to obtain future employment
Contact a False Claims Act Lawyer Today
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against whistleblowers. If you have a fraudulent or false claim to report, or if you’re experiencing retaliation from your employer, we can help. We protect the identity of our clients and all communications with us are secure and confidential. We expedite the preparation of your case, aggressively represent you through its conclusion, and offer personalized advice to help you protect your interests. Contact a whistleblower protection lawyer from Herman Law Group for assistance today.