Kool Smiles dental clinics pressured their dentists to perform unnecessary root canals and tooth extractions on child patients. Then the clinics submitted false claims to Medicaid for the procedures, saying they were medically necessary. The Justice Department charged the company $23.9M for their fraudulent practices, and $2.4M will go to three whistleblowers who exposed the illegal billing practices.
The Law Protects and Rewards a Whistleblower
When a knowledgeable attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm files a False Claims Act lawsuit, he or she files it under a seal. This means it is completely confidential. There is also a full disclosure statement in the suit, which details the evidence collected by a whistleblower.
After we file your suit, the Department of Justice will review the evidence before deciding to step in and decide if they want to prosecute the case. The government’s fraud investigator will work closely with you, the whistleblower to identify all responsible for the fraud.
You could be entitled to 15-30% of the funds recovered. In order to receive the reward, you must be the first one to file a case under the False Claims Act. This is why it is key to pick an experienced attorney to work quickly to get your compensation.
About the Kool Smiles Whistleblower Lawsuit
Kool Smiles own dental clinics across 17 states. During the whistleblower lawsuit, the Department of Justice said that part of Kool Smiles corporate strategy was to target low-income neighborhoods. They purposely went after Medicaid-eligible patients. Then, the company pressured their dentists to perform unnecessary baby root canals, stainless steel crowns and tooth extractions on child patients. Afterward, the clinic submitted false claims to Medicaid for reimbursement. Sometimes, the company lied about procedures dentists never performed.
Even more revolting, one of Kool Smiles’ policies are prohibiting parents from being present in root canals. Whistleblowers alleged it was to hide the child’s suffering and to keep up their fraudulent billing practices.
Courageous Dental Whistleblowers
Professional agreements began to erupt between qualified dentists and management. The dentists began to question the unnecessary amount of dental work and the cost of the care being billed to Medicaid. This is when three employees contact the Department of Justice. Because of their bravery, Kool Smiles agreed to a settlement of $23.9 million. This includes $2.4 million to the whistleblowers. Other whistleblower cases against the dental company are pending in Texas and Connecticut.
Kool Smiles issued a statement saying they agreed to the settlement just to end the government investigation. They assert that the settlement does not comment on their quality and level of care. Regardless of what they say, exploiting needy children for financial gain is abhorring.
Premier Complex Litigation Attorneys
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 on 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.