Follow These Steps After Witnessing Fraud at Work

Whistleblower

By: admin Mar 2

Many people have noticed fraudulent activities at work in a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing plants, government contracts, investments, etc. However, after seeing the fraud, many do not know the next steps to take. Follow these approaches after witnessing the fraud to not only stop it from happening but to also get compensation from the government.

Step 1: Collect Evidence

It is important to determine the magnitude of the fraud. This includes lawfully gathering available documents or electronic evidence. Ensure you complete this information conquest without breaking the laws or any employment agreement. The evidence can include emails, recorded phone conversations, potential witnesses, records or documents about the scheme and money. Under the False Claims Act, there are restrictions to a claim. For example, there cannot be another whistleblower who filed a complaint based on the same information. However, the best cases include those with direct harm and the amount of money involved.

Step 2: Contact an Experienced Attorney

After gathering evidence of an employer cheating the government, it is important to contact an experienced attorney in whistleblower lawsuits and the False Claims Act like those in The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. An attorney can help ensure you receive the most out of your claim. The recovery range is from 15-25 percent if the government intervenes, and if the government chooses not to intervene, 25-30 percent.
Since the False Claims Act was amended in 1986, there have been more than $30 billion in recoveries. Also, don’t let the concern of legal fees stop reporting fraud. We do not ask for any upfront costs. Our expenses are only received if there is a monetary award.

Step 3: File Under Seal

An attorney will first meet with the government to discuss the case. Then, an attorney will file a qui tam lawsuit in the appropriate federal district court. This complaint is under a seal. This means that the company committing the fraud will not be alerted to the lawsuit. The government then has 60 days to conduct an investigation before serving the complaint to the defendant. Sometimes an extension from the court can lengthen this time period. Often this could take months or even years depending on the level of fraud.
During this period, the government will gather and analyze any evidence to corroborate your claim. It is important to not discuss anything pertaining to a qui tam suit during this time.

Step 4: Government Takes the Claim or Not

Next, the government will conclude its investigation and chose to take the claim or not. If the government accepts or intervenes, our firm will work with the government’s attorneys to assist in the investigation to ensure the highest level of return. Even if the government decides to not take the case, we can still file a lawsuit just without the government’s help.
This entire process takes a long time to complete. Sometimes, it takes several years. This can be very frustrating for clients, but the outcomes are worth it. The law says that a company that has cheated the government can be held responsible for three times the amount of money they took or failed to pay, plus hefty fines. The government could recover millions or billions of dollars. The law entitles you up to 25% of the amount the government recovers. If the government does not intervene, the amount can be up to 30%.

Step 5: Call Today

The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge of complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies, and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.
Therefore, if you believe you have uncovered evidence of fraud involving a government-funded program, contact us today. Our attorneys have represented many clients in the past with complex cases. We will work tirelessly to obtain results on your behalf.