A senior TSA whistleblower has exposed that the Transportation Security Administration withheld N95 masks from staff and exhibited “gross mismanagement” in its response to the coronavirus crisis. This left employees and travelers vulnerable during the most urgent days of the pandemic.
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 pays 15-30% of the recovered funds. 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.
TSA Whistleblower
An independent federal agency received a TSA Whistleblower complaint and ordered the Department of Homeland Security to open an investigation. The complaint came from the TSA Federal Security Director who has been in charge of transportation security in the state of Kansas for almost 20 years. He was upset that leadership failed his agency by not protecting staff and passengers from the pandemic. As a result, his employees became carriers of the virus due to the lack of access to personal protective equipment. Also, the TSA did not require employees to change or sanitize gloves between passengers. This was during the nation’s busiest traveling time of Spring Break.
The TSA Whistleblower had been asking since March for masks. However, his requests were denied. Instead, the Federal Security Director asked employees to acquire their own. The TSA Director felt that waiting for masks would be catastrophic. Almost 700 agency employees tested positive for coronavirus, and five died. However, TSA Administrators told Senate that the TSA had what it needed for the crisis. Yet, there was no policy requiring masks until June or changing of gloves. It wasn’t until NPR released a story on the safety disparities that passengers can request new gloves from TSA screeners.
The Department of Homeland Security is still investigating the allegations. Within the next 60 days, the results will be shared with Congress, the White House, and the public.
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 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.