The False Claims Act gives people the right to file lawsuits against entities guilty of defrauding the government. Under the False Claims Act, relators – or whistle blowers – may file claims on behalf of the government if they suspect an individual or organization of fraud. Someone filing claim under the Act can receive a percentage of any compensation the government receives through the lawsuit. The Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo can help you with a False Claims Act lawsuit in San Antonio. Schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio False Claims Act attorney today.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo?
- We have years of experience. Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys have more than 20 years of legal experience representing clients in all matters of personal injury law, including False Claims Act and qui tam lawsuits.
- We maintain a direct line of communication. Our clients can call their attorneys 24/7 for answers for their questions or concerns. They will reach their personal lawyer any time of day, not an associate.
- We believe in making legal services available to everyone. We represent False Claims Act clients on a contingency fee arrangement. There are no upfront costs, and you only pay our fees if we win.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Although hiring a lawyer is not a legal requirement under the False Claims Act, it can significantly help your case. Instead of navigating the complicated legal process alone, you will have a trial attorney in San Antonio to walk you through the steps. Hiring a San Antonio False Claims Act lawyer can strengthen your case and enable you to protect your rights during litigation. You can go up against some of the world’s most powerful corporations with help from an attorney. You do not have to deal with a whistle blower, fraud, or False Claims lawsuit on your own.
What Is the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act, or 31 USC Section 3729-3733, states that anyone who knowingly and intentionally submits false claims to the government is liable for treble the government’s damages, in addition to a penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim made. While the government can go up against defendants itself, the False Claims Act also allows qui tam lawsuits. Qui tam lawsuits involve a private individual filing the lawsuit on behalf of the government. This person is a relator, or (informally) a whistle blower.
Relators can receive a portion of any damages the government recovers through the lawsuit. Typically, this amount equals 15% to 25% of total damages, although this can vary depending on the situation. If you wish to become a whistle blower, you or a San Antonio False Claims Act attorney must file your qui tam action within six years of the date the defendant committed the violation. Some courts, however, hold that the clock does not start until the date the government paid the claim. Using a lawyer to represent you during a False Claims Act violation lawsuit can help your case succeed.
Proving a Claim Under the False Claims Act
If you are a plaintiff filing a lawsuit on the government’s behalf, your San Antonio False Claims Act lawyer can help you prove the defendant’s guilt under the provisions of the False Claims Act. To prove that someone has violated the False Claims Act, an attorney must have evidence that the defendant knew the claim was false through actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard for the truth. The attorney then needs evidence that the defendant submitted the false claim to the government. Evidence may include documentation, eyewitness testimonies, the testimony of the whistle blower, and information from electronic records.
Speak to a False Claims Act Attorney in San Antonio Today
If you suspect your employer or another entity of intentionally defrauding the government, coming forward with a qui tam action could lead to a financial reward. Do not be afraid of losing your job by whistle blowing. It is against the law in Texas for an employer to retaliate against an employee by job termination or demotion for whistle blowing. Learn more about the False Claims Act and qui tam lawsuits in San Antonio during a free case evaluation. Contact us today.