The Department of Justice announced that in 2017, the department collected $3.7 billion in settlements and judgments from False Claim Act lawsuits. The False Claims Act is a statute that allows an individual who notices fraud to file lawsuits on behalf of the government.
About The False Claims Act
The Congress originally passed the False Claims Act during the Civil War. It was to protect the U.S. from treacherous contactors supplying the Union with faulty weapons and failing supplies. Congress has adjusted the act over the years to become one of the government’s premier tools for policing corporate fraud.
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. 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.
2017 Whistleblower Lawsuits
There wasn’t a common type of case filed in 2017. Several pharmaceutical companies cheated Medicare out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Then, two different housing finance companies endorsed mortgages for federal insurance that failed to meet basic underwriting standards.
Agility Public Warehousing, a Kuwaiti-based military food provider, agreed to pay $95 million for overcharging the US government for fruits and vegetables. The government bought these goods for American soldiers fighting in the Middle East. Then, the government fined Bechtel Corp $125 million for fraudulently charging the Department of Energy for deficient nuclear materials.
Recovered Funds Came from Whistleblowers
Out of the $3.7 billion collected last year, almost 92% came from whistleblower lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act. In fact, the Department of Justice commends and depends upon courageous individuals stepping forward when they see fraud. The recoveries in 2017 reflect the valuable role of a whistleblower.
Individuals inside companies are the best people to know fraud is happening. Also, they can report and gather evidence of the violations. It is important to have strong whistleblower laws. These provisions save taxpayers money in the end.
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. Attorneys across the country seek our award-winning staff 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. This includes other attorneys asking our staff to lead 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.