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Fraud Against the Government - False Claims Act: Qui Tam Cases

Written by: Lars A. Lundeen

Reputation Level 20

Fraud Lawsuits

Posted almost 3 years ago. 8 helpful votes, 0 comments

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What Does Qui Tam Mean?

Qui Tam stands for a longer Latin phrase which, when translated, means "He who sues for the King as well as for himself." Qui Tam is a part of the federal statute known as the False Claims Act, which allows a private individual (known as a "Relator") with knowledge of present or past fraud committed against the US Government to bring a suit on the Government's behalf. If the suit is successful, the Relator takes a share of the recovered proceeds as a reward for "blowing the whistle" on the fraudulent conduct. The statute applies to fraud committed by ANY and ALL governmental contractors, including military contractors, doctors, hospitals, financial services personnel and anyone else who makes a false or fraudulent claim to the Federal Government which causes disbursement of Federal funds.

What Constitutes a False Claim?

A "claim" includes just about any demand or request that causes disbursement of Federal funds. It includes any action by the false claimant which has the purpose and effect of causing the United States to pay out money it is not obligated to pay, or any action which intentionally deprives the United States of money it is lawfully due. Each separate submission to the US Government seeking payment is a claim for purposes of the False Claims Act, even if the submissions are made pursuant to a single contract.

How Much of a Reward Can A Wistleblower Receive?

There is no upper limit to the amount a person may receive. Relators are paid a percentage of the recovery against the contractor, usually in the range of 15% to 30% depending on whether or not the Federal Government intervenes in the case.You could potentially receive millions of dollars. If you have proof of a fraud committed against the Federal Government that has cost the tax payers $100,000,000, you are entitled to your percentage. The False Claims Act is now considered the Government's primary litigative tool for combating fraud against the Government. These cases can prove to be highly technical and often require an experienced litigation attorney to prosecute these claims for a Relator. Our office reviews and will litigate meritorious FCA claims and we invite any potential Relator to contact us for a free consultation or further information.