In the healthcare sector, ensuring honesty and integrity is important. One tool for fighting fraud in this area is qui tam, a provision in the False Claims Act that allows individuals to take action against fraudulent activities. Understanding qui tam Qui tam is a...
From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.
Qui Tam
What is a qui tam lawsuit?
Qui tam lawsuits are a tool for citizens to help combat fraud against the government. Understanding them sheds light on how ordinary individuals can help uphold integrity and justice. What is a qui tam lawsuit? According to the Department of Justice, whistleblowers...
Siemens agrees to pay $1 million in qui tam case
Siemens Industry, Inc. has reached a settlement to pay more than $1 million in response to allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The settlement arises from a 2011 contract with the Hamtramck Housing Commission in Hamtramck, Michigan. Siemens was installing...
Reasons to file a qui tam lawsuit
In certain situations, a citizen may file a qui tam lawsuit. This unique legal mechanism provides an avenue for individuals to act as whistleblowers on behalf of the government when fraud or wrongdoing occurs. However, it may be unclear why a citizen choose to take...
Tennessee hospitals pay $7.25 million in response to allegations
In January 2024, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare-Memphis Hospitals reached a settlement, agreeing to pay $7.25 million to resolve allegations of False Claims Act violations. Two qui tam whistleblowers were responsible for the lawsuit. They...
How did qui tam originate in the U.S.?
The U.S. Department of Justice reported qui tam settlements and judgments were more than $2 billion in 2022. This fascinating concept is an ancient legal mechanism with deep roots in the pursuit of justice. It is a Latin phrase that essentially means subjects who...
Qui tam cases are increasingly important in addressing fraud
Qui tam cases and the whistleblowers behind them are necessary for protecting public funds. They help uncover fraudulent activities that might otherwise go undetected. This not only leads to the recovery of billions of dollars but also serves as a deterrent to...
How to strengthen a qui tam lawsuit
Commonly known as whistleblower lawsuits, qui tam suits give people a unique opportunity to expose fraud against the government. The whistleblowers receive a portion of the recovered damages. According to the Department of Justice, the United States recorded 652 qui...
4 signs of overbilling the government in a qui tam case
The government heavily relies on contractors to carry out its various projects and services, but there are times when these contractors may overcharge the government. It is important to be vigilant and spot signs of overbilling, as this can lead to a qui tam case, a...
Qui tam cases in healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid
Preventing fraud in healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid is a big concern. If we do not stop illegal activities, they can harm vulnerable people, strain healthcare programs and make healthcare more expensive. Various types of healthcare fraud need strong...