Employer Fraudon the Government
The federal False Claims Act and New Jersey False Claims Acts prohibit fraud against the federal and state government. Corporate whistleblowers who identify such fraud may sue on behalf of the government and receive a share of the damages ultimately paid to the government from the corporate wrongdoing. These types of lawsuits are called qui tam lawsuits.
Qui tam lawsuits cover a broad range of illegal activities, including but not limited to, the following:
- Health care fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid;
- Off-label marketing of pharmaceuticals;
- Defense contractor fraud;
- Charging the government for more than was provided;
- Fraudulently seeking a government contract;
- Submitting a false application for a government loan;
- Submitting a fraudulent application for a grant of government funds;
- Demanding payment for goods or services that do not conform to contractual or regulatory requirements;
- Requesting payment for goods or services that are defective or of lesser quality than were contracted for; and
- Attempting to pay the government less than is owed.
In addition, under other federal whistleblower protection and reward programs, whistleblowers may report tax fraud, securities law violations and commodities law violations.
Qui tam lawsuits and other whistleblower actions can be a complex and it is important to get representation from an attorney experienced in dealing with government agencies and major corporations. The attorneys at McMoran, O’Connor, Bramley & Burns, P.C. can help guide you through the complex and highly confidential process.