Dallas Whistleblower Attorney Explains the False Claims Act and Pursues Qui Tam Actions

UNDERSTANDING THE FALSE CLAIMS ACT AND QUI TAM

For more than 35 years Steve Kardell has guided whistleblowers through qui tam claims authorized by the False Claims Act. This act provides that liability for damages can be tripled. It authorizes a penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 per claim for each false or fraudulent claim submitted to the U.S. government. Furthermore, the False Claims Act establishes the grounds and procedures for a specific type of legal action called qui tam.

Qui tam literally means “he who brings a case on behalf of our lord the King, and for himself.” It allows private citizens, referred to as a relator, to commence legal action on behalf of the federal government. The relator can bring a whistleblower suit when he or she knows that a party has knowingly submitted false claims to the government. False claims can arise from many different sources and transactions, but typically include:

  • Defense spending
    • Billing fraud by military contractors
    • Illegal hiring practices
  • Financial services
    • IRS tax fraud
    • Pension and financial service fees
  • Healthcare services
    • Medicare or Medicaid billing fraud
  • Government contractor or employee issues
    • Compensation for a “no-show” job
    • Misappropriation of government property or resources

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR QUI TAM ACTIONS?

The qui tam process is extremely technical and is detailed in the False Claims Act. To start, a relator must be represented by an attorney — pro se litigation is not permitted. Federal law requires the qui tam complaint to be filed under seal, where it will remain for at least 60 days. Additionally, a disclosure statement must be filed that contains all substantial evidence. The complaint is added to a confidential docket and distributed to only the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and to the assigned U.S. District Court judge. Following the 60-day period, the DOJ must either file a motion showing good cause to keep the complaint under seal or allow the confidentiality to lapse. An investigation, typically coordinated across multiple government agencies, is launched.

At the end of the investigation, the DOJ must select from one of five potential courses of actions. Three are statutorily provided:

  • Intervene in one or more counts of the qui tam action
  • Decline to intervene in one or all counts of the pending qui tam action, though the relator and his or her attorney may still elect to pursue the action
  • Move to dismiss

Additionally, two more options are generally permitted that are not provided for by the statute:

  • Settle with the defendant
  • Inform the relator that the DOJ intends to decline to intervene

If the DOJ intends to intervene in the matter, it will file a notice informing all parties of the intervention, including the specific grounds for intervention and unseal the complaint. Once the complaint is unsealed, the attorney’s relator must serve the complaint on defendants within 120 days. Typically, about 60 days following the DOJ’s notice of intervention, the department will file its own complaint based on additional federal statutes and common laws.

Contact our attorney today in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for guidance on reporting government fraud

The qui tam process is unique in the law and requires an attorney experienced in these matters. Attorney Steve Kardell can prepare you for this stressful and extremely technical process. To discuss the circumstances surrounding your potential qui tam action, please contact us at 214-306-8045 or online.