Miller Law Group represents whistleblowers under the False Claims act for Medicare and Medicaid Fraud.  Our experience protecting whistleblowers rights allows us to better serve our clients.

The False Claims Act protects whistleblowers from workplace retaliation and allows whistleblowers to receive an award for reporting fraud against government programs.

The most common fraud against government programs is healthcare fraud, specifically Medicare & Medicaid fraud.  Because most fraud goes unreported, government leaders enacted the False Claims Act to encourage inside employees to report the fraud.  The FCA allows whistleblowers to receive up to 30% of any recovery, and up to 25% of any recovery when the government intervenes in the case. This is called the “relator’s share.”

Damages under the FCA can be trebled. Meaning, if the fraud amount is $1 million then the total damages could be up to $3 million, not including fines, costs, and potential attorneys’ fees.

Claims under the FCA are called “quit tam” lawsuits.  When a whistleblower files a qui tam lawsuit, the lawsuit is filed on behalf of the government and is filed under seal (meaning in secret).  The lawsuit remains under seal to allow the government time to investigate the claim and decide whether to intervene.

Because qui tam lawsuits are filed on behalf of the government, the whistleblower is required to be represented by counsel.  It is important to speak with an experienced whistleblower lawyer before reporting the fraud.  The False Claim Act has specific rules and requirements, like the Original Source Rule, that must be followed or a whistleblower may be ineligible for an award.

If you are considering becoming a whistleblower, contact Miller Law Group for a free consultation or call 919-348-4361.