Our Attorneys Answer Your Questions About The False Claims Act, Qui Tam Lawsuits, and Whistleblower Law

The Government declined my whistleblower case; now what?
After you file a qui tam lawsuit, the government seals the case and investigates your allegations. Once the investigation is complete, the government decides whether or not it will take over the case.

Don’t be discouraged if the government declines your case.  This does not mean that you haven’t help stop a serious crime. And, it doesn’t mean that your claim is not worthwhile. It does mean that the Department of Justice is very concerned about its budget. It must be able to justify all money spent on whistleblower claim interventions. For this reason, the Department of Justice only intervenes in those cases most likely to result in a significant financial recovery for the government.

If the government declined the case, you have the right to proceed with the qui tam lawsuit with the help of your lawyer. If your case is successful, you may be eligible to receive up to 30 percent of the money recovered.

Not sure if your case is worth pursuing? Contact Petrelli Law at ###-###-####. Our attorney will discuss your legal options and help you make the choice that is best for you.

What are my responsibilities as a whistleblower?

You’ve found evidence that your employer is involved in fraud, misconduct or a cover-up. You want to report your discovery, but you’re not sure that you want to be a whistleblower.

Becoming a whistleblower isn’t easy. Whistleblowers have a lot of responsibility, and they risk their relationships with their employers, co-workers, friends and family.

Your responsibilities as a whistleblower:

  • You must collect evidence to support your claim that your employer is involved in fraud or misconduct.
  • You must keep this information confidential. Do not share it with anyone except your attorney.
  • You must work with your attorney to file a Qui Tam lawsuit with the Department of Justice.
  • You may not discuss the lawsuit with anyone except your attorney and the Department of Justice while it is under seal.
  • You must assist with the Department of Justice’s investigation. You may be asked to provide additional evidence or information.
  • If the government takes over the case, you may be asked to testify.
  • If the government does not take the case, you must decide whether to continue the qui tam action on behalf of the government.

The first step to becoming a whistleblower is to contact Petrelli Law at ###-###-####. Ask to schedule a free consultation with a whistleblower attorney. We’ll discuss your case, and all your legal options.

I filed a Qui Tam lawsuit. Will I be entitled to a financial reward?

The False Claims Act, and several other whistleblower laws, provide financial rewards to individuals who successfully help the government stop fraud or other illegal activity. In order to qualify for a whistleblower reward, you must provide the government with unique information that is not publically available. If this information leads to a government’s recovery of funds, you will receive 15 to 30 percent of that recovery.

My attorney says that my False Claims Act lawsuit is under seal. What does this mean?
All qui tam lawsuit are filed “under seal”. This means that the lawsuit is confidential. It may not be discussed by anyone except the whistleblower, his or her attorney, and the U.S. Department of Justice. This allows the Department of Justice to investigate without interference.

While your case is under seal, you are prohibited from discussing the case with anyone except your attorney. This includes your friends and family. When the Department of Justice finishes its investigation, the seal will be lifted and the lawsuit will be made public.

False Claims Act lawsuits must remain sealed for 60 days. However, the Department of Justice may request an extension of the seal period. If your case is complex, it may remain sealed for several years.