In financial, corporate and medical fields, whistleblowers have helped combat fraud and became mainstays against crime. However, experts agree that if the same whistleblower fervor was present in the realm of wildlife crime that many animals could be saved.
About the Whistleblower Statute
In 1863 to combat fraud in Union contracts during the Civil War, Congress passed the Whistleblower or Qui Tam statute. It was not until 1986 before Congress modernized the Whistleblower statute and renamed it to the False Claims Act (FCA). It became the government’s primary tool to combat fraud. Individuals who report government-program fraud bring the lawsuit on behalf of the government.
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.
The government could give you 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.
Wildlife Whistleblowers
Wildlife conservationists have deployed many methods on national, subnational and international levels to combat wildlife trafficking. These include anti-poaching campaigns, reduction demands along with both public and private partnerships. Yet, experts are seeking the help of whistleblowers to help in this sector as well. Like other whistleblower industries, wildlife trafficking is also a business. Therefore, with a monetary incentive to report illicit activity it can promote wildlife whistleblowers.
For example, 2011 to 2017, 2,655 whistleblowers received lucrative rewards for coming forward. Currently, the illegal wildlife trade makes $19 billion per year. If the same measures to protect and promote corporate whistleblowers were applied to wildlife whistleblowers that number would dramatically decrease.
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. Many firms seek out our award-winning staff 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. As a matter of fact, we will work tirelessly to obtain results on your behalf.