What Does a Qui Tam Attorney Do?
If you are thinking about blowing the whistle, you must have a Qui Tam attorney help you file your claim. The federal government requires whistleblowers to follow specific rules and procedures when filing a Qui Tam claim. If they aren't followed correctly, your claim won't be successful and could actually be costly. This makes experienced legal representation imperative to your case. Your Qui Tam lawyer can review the circumstances to ensure you have a legitimate claim. Then they can build your claim, describing the violations that have occurred and how they violate the law. They also help protect your rights throughout the entire process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Does the Whistleblowing Process Entail?
Whistleblowing is the process in which someone files a complaint through designated and secure channels. Whistleblower cases are common in the following industries:
· Healthcare
· Government contracts
· Customs and tariffs
· Other government programs
· Securities
· Commodities
· Banking
· Tax
The actual process through which a Protected Disclosure is made can depend on the information to be reported and to whom that information is given. If your case involves the False Claims Act, you must legally have representation from a Qui Tam law firm or lawyer.
Your lawyer then drafts a disclosure statement that details the facts you know about, the witnesses to the different events, and any documents supporting your claims. This statement is given to the government's attorneys and investigators to use for their investigation and isn't yet filed in court.
The civil complaint is filed under seal; as such, only your attorney, government officials, and the judge will know about your case. You may be required to attend a meeting with your whistleblower lawyers and government officials.
If the government decides to intervene, it will take over the legal case. You will receive between 15 and 25 percent of any monies they recover. If they choose not to intervene, which is often the case, your attorney can still help you pursue a case against them. If your claim is successful, you could receive between 25 and 30 percent of the total money recovered, depending on the case's specifics.
Hire a Qui Tam Attorney For Your Case
Suppose you think you have a Qui Tam claim. In that case, it's best to have an attorney represent you to ensure the offending party goes to jail and you get the whistleblower compensation you deserve. These cases can be emotionally upsetting, and your lawyer can often help you through this challenging process and the strain it can put on your life. They are also complex, with strict requirements that are best left to a well-versed whistleblower law firm.