Whistleblowers Stop Companies From Causing Significant Public Ills
Congress passed the False Claims Act just after the Civil War to put a stop to the massive costs caused by companies defrauding the government. One hundred seventy years later, companies continue to commit fraud against the government for profit, and that’s where qui tam whistleblowers and their attorneys come in.
At Akeel & Valentine, PLC, our attorneys help our clients in Detroit, across Michigan and nationwide pursue justice. In qui tam cases, we take on the companies that steal from the government and – by extension – everyone. We fight for qui tam whistleblowers to address these frauds, often committed by government contractors. We also preserve the legal rights of whistleblowers, such as protection from retaliation.
How Qui Tam Whistleblower Cases Work
Those who take steps to stop these issues get a “reward” for a successful case. The reward is typically a percentage of the amount that the company defrauded from the government, and these awards can be quite significant.
Any person working for a company, even if they were an active participant, can take the evidence they collect and file a lawsuit to stop the illegal action. In terms of government contractors, this may look like this:
- Misuse of funds
- Overbilling
- Use of cheaper materials than contracted
- Ignoring safety regulations
- Cutting corners
If you know about and can prove that your company is committing illegal acts and taking money out of taxpayer coffers, you can take a step to stop it.
Whistleblowers Have Ongoing Protections
One of the worries that potential whistleblowers have is that they will lose their jobs. The law protects whistleblowers from retaliation, but it takes a lawsuit to enforce that law. Retaliation can look like:
- Disciplinary action
- Termination
- Unfavorable assignments
- Pay cuts
- Hour cuts
If your relationship with your employer and coworkers sours after a whistleblower claim, there’s a strong chance you’re experiencing retaliation.
Fighting For Justice For You And Everyone
Our goal is to fight corruption in all its forms. We’re on your side to secure the justice you and the country deserve in the face of businesses acting unethically. Call 248-918-4542 or send an email to get started.