You may have heard the term “whistleblower” a lot lately in the news, but what exactly is a “whistleblower” and what do “whistleblower” attorneys do?
A “whistleblower” is a term used to describe a person who reports information about a private or public organization’s activity that has been deemed illegal, fraudulent, or unethical. For example, a whistleblower, who is often an inside employee, may report Medicare or Medicaid fraud by an employer.
The False Claims Act was enacted to encourage whistleblowers to report fraud against the government by allowing the whistleblower to receive an award, while also giving the whistleblower protection against workplace retaliation.
Lawyers practicing within the False Claims Act are often called “qui-tam” attorneys. These attorneys represent whistleblowers who report fraud against government programs, like Medicare and Medicaid. A whistleblower lawyer can also help protect a whistleblower from employer retaliation and may work with the federal agency investigating illegal activity. Whistleblower attorneys also help ensure that the individual reporting the illegal activity receives an appropriate whistleblower award.
A person considering a “whistleblower” claim should consult with an experienced attorney prior to reporting the fraud.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida whistleblower lawyer Christopher Legg and Miller Law Group work together to protect whistleblowers.
If you are considering becoming a whistleblower, contact us for a free consultation, or call 919-348-4361.
