Certain forms of litigation tend to be more complicated and difficult to manage than others. A mass tort or class action lawsuit can take months to properly organize. A personal injury lawsuit related to medical malpractice or complex professional failures can be challenging to develop in court.
Litigation involving employers or government entities can also prove to be quite complex. A qui tam lawsuit involves both of these elements, making it a challenge for an employee to navigate. A qui tam lawsuit may require complex court proceedings that the average person likely cannot navigate on their own behalf.
What is a qui tam lawsuit?
A qui tam lawsuit is a unique form of litigation that occurs when an employee learns of a business’s fraudulent conduct. Under the False Claims Act, those who are aware of improper billing practices involving the government can potentially file a qui tam lawsuit.
They act as a relator and pursue litigation against their employer on behalf of the government. The government may choose to take control over the lawsuit or may let the relator manage the litigation process.
If the lawsuit is successful, the relator may receive a portion of fraudulently-billed funds regained by the government. They also have protection as a whistleblower, meaning they shouldn’t face summary termination or other forms of retaliation for filing the lawsuit.
Those concerned about potentially fraudulent billing activities may need assistance as they prepare for a qui tam lawsuit, and that’s okay. They need to ensure they have adequate evidence of billing fraud and are aware of their legal protections as whistleblowers. Partnering with an attorney who has experience managing complex civil litigation can help whistleblowers demand accountability from their employers.