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Successful whistleblowers are well compensated for their efforts. See, Recent Cases and Big Cases. Federal False Claims Act: If the whistle-blower succeeds with the case on his/her own, the amount will be between twenty five and thirty percent (25%-30%) of the total amount recovered from a defendant. If the Government chooses to pursue the case itself (called "intervention"), then the reward to the whistleblower will be fifteen to twenty five percent (15% to 25%), depending upon the whistleblower's contribution to the prosecution of the action. The whistleblower's reasonable fees and costs may also be recovered. Further, in some cases additional amounts may be paid to employee whistleblowers. See, Don't Whistleblowers risk getting fired? However, if it is determined the whistleblower was involved in the wrongdoing, the court can reduce the share at its discretion depending on the circumstances. A court will deny any share of an award if a whistleblower is convicted of criminal conduct arising from the wrongdoing alleged in the lawsuit. Florida False Claims Act If the whistle-blower proceeds and succeeds with the case on his/her own, the amount will be between twenty five and thirty percent (25%-30%) of the recovery. If Florida chooses to pursue the case itself (called "intervention"), then the whistleblower's reward will be fifteen to twenty five percent (15% to 25%), depending upon the whistleblower's contribution to the prosecution of the action. The whistleblower's reasonable fees and costs may also be recovered. Further, additional amounts may be paid to employee whistleblowers. Back to Top A whistleblower's courageous actions protect communities against corrupt government contractors, resulting in better health care, more scholarship money available for students, more research dollars available for honest researchers; better roads, safer bridges, improved national and homeland security and all other benefits provided by the federal government and the state of Florida. A single false claim lawsuit has a deterrent effect that reduces government fraud. A "deterrent effect" means that contractors are less likely to commit fraud since they know that every employee may be looking over their shoulders. Deterrents are especially effective against white collar fraud since it is not committed in the heat of passion. Rather, corrupt contractors weigh the benefits of their frauds against the risks of getting caught. A single case has a ripple effect that spreads across many communities. Money may be made available to resurface a slippery road, to perform a life-saving operation, to feed a hungry person… and perhaps even reduce the taxes you pay that might otherwise be wasted on corrupt contractors. Back to Top You don't. You can't. These cases take time. See, How long does it take? Back to Top You are too late. You must be an "original source." This means you must have "direct and independent knowledge of the information on which the allegations are based." Thus, if your knowledge of the fraud is based on a newspaper article then you are not the "original source" of the information. If you believe you might be an original source but you are not certain, call a qualified attorney. See, What is the "First to File" Requirement? Back to Top Federal False Claims Act: A person who files a frivolous lawsuit can be held responsible for a defendant's reasonable legal fees and costs. This is the same as nearly all federal civil litigation. As responsible attorneys, we have never represented any person with a frivolous claim and for that reason not one of our clients has ever even been asked to pay a defendant's fees or costs. Florida False Claims Act: The prevailing party (the winner) may seek reimbursement of their reasonable fees and costs. We evaluate cases and then advise our clients of the specific risks they face before they file suit under the Florida False Claims Act. For that reason, not one of our clients has ever been asked to pay a defendant's fees or costs. Back to Top Yes. However, in most cases if you are fired for exercising your rights under the state or federal laws you can sue for retaliation and request the courts to reward you your lost wages, additional penalties, legal fees and costs. The Federal False Claims Act prohibits an employer from harassing or retaliating against an employee for attempting to uncover or report fraud on the federal government. If retaliation does occur, the employee (or former employee) may be awarded "all relief necessary to make the employee whole," including reinstatement, back pay, two times the amount of back pay, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees. The Florida False Claims Act provides similar protections. In addition, many states have wrongful discharge or other employment laws that may provide remedies for such retaliation. You may wish to speak with an attorney in your state to learn about such state laws. Back to Top Basically, no. The Government will know your identity, and your name will likely be disclosed to the defendant at some point. During the initial confidential seal period, the defendant is not supposed to learn that you have filed the lawsuit. However, in practice, defendants sometimes figure it out during the confidential seal period. After the confidential seal period ends the complaint is served on the defendant and your identity will be revealed to the defendant. However, there are circumstances in which you may be able to retain some degree of confidentiality. It may be possible to resolve a case while it is still under confidential seal, or even to file a case and then dismiss it during the confidential seal period without having your identity ever revealed to the defendant. Back to Top
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