Whistleblowers in South Carolina who report fraud against government programs may be eligible to receive protection and an award under state and federal law. Miller Law Group offers more than 50 years of combined experience protecting people’s rights and can help ensure whistleblower laws are upheld.

Common cases under the False Claims Act include Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, Government Contract Fraud, and Research Grant Fraud. Medicare and Medicaid programs are two government programs that are most vulnerable. Examples of these include over-billing, incorrect coding, kickbacks, and illegal referrals.

South Carolina whistleblowers are protected by federal and state law, known as the False Claims Act (FCA). The “qui tam” provision of the FCA allows citizens to bring fraud reports forward and offers protection and rewards in exchange for their knowledge. This was enacted to encourage whistleblowers, known legally as ‘relators,’ to report fraud. The law that applies depends on whether the target of the scheme is a state or federal program. These claims are filed by an attorney for the whistleblower in South Carolina courts on behalf of the government.

Protection Against Workplace Retaliation

Reporting an employer’s illegal actions or fraudulent schemes takes courage, and many who do so fear repercussions. South Carolina whistleblower laws protect employees who come forward by:

• Shielding them against workplace retaliation and reinstating them if they are fired or demoted due to reporting fraud
• Protecting the identity of the whistleblower when feasible

If an individual loses a job or contracts as a consequence of reporting a fraud scheme, he or she may be owed damages under South Carolina whistleblower law, which may include two times back pay, restored employment, special damages, and attorneys’ fees.

Rewards for Reporting Fraud

Anyone exposing fraud in South Carolina may be entitled to a percentage of the recovery as long as the whistleblower goes through the proper channels by hiring an attorney for the claim. The government will review the case and evidence, and if they intervene, the whistleblower may receive up to 25% of the recovery. Damages are trebled under the False Claims Act, which can make whistleblower rewards substantial.

It is important to speak with an experienced whistleblower lawyer before reporting the fraud. The False Claims Act has specific requirements that must be followed, or South Carolina whistleblowers may forfeit certain rights to recovery.

The attorneys at Miller Law Group stand ready to help whistleblowers in South Carolina and beyond. We’ll review your case and evidence to ensure your claim is valid, protect your rights as a whistleblower, and help you present your evidence for the government’s review.

If you are considering becoming a whistleblower or would like to consult our team, contact Miller Law Group for a free consultation.