According to a new report by The Poynter Institute, Government employees are protected under the first amendment. Therefore, he or she has whistleblower protection against retaliation even if he or she speaks publicly. Many employees are unaware that they are protected under the law regardless of the pressure that they are not.
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.
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.
Government Employees Whistleblower Protections
The Poynter Institute released a report stating that government employees have whistleblower protections. However, the report noted that these institutions frequently practice the gagging of public employees. When this happens, the employee can file suit. This happened in 2016 when an employee of San Miguel County Road. He testified in a child custody case involving a co-worker. His supervisor reprimanded and demoted him. His lawsuit stressed that the First Amendment protects the right of government employees to testify even when the outcome may be adverse to the interest of a manager.
In a related case, the National Whistleblower Center filed an amicus brief earlier this month defending a government employees’ right to testify in court. In 2016, an employee of San Miguel County Road testified in a child custody case that involved a co-worker. He said he was later reprimanded and demoted. This wasn’t legal. If this happens to you, you may be eligible for compensation.
Premier Complex Litigation Attorneys
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Experts have recognized our team of attorneys 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. We will work tirelessly to obtain results on your behalf.