Nationwide Whistleblower And Qui Tam Lawyers For Government Fraud
If you have credible evidence that a company or organization is defrauding the United States government (or defrauding any of the 30 states with “mini qui tam statutes”), you may have sufficient evidence for your lawyer to draft a detailed federal complaint under the False Claims Act (and related whistleblower programs). These cases are not about ordinary workplace disputes or HR complaints. They involve serious fraud against taxpayers and public institutions.
At Cross Law Firm, S.C., our attorneys represent whistleblowers across the nation who file qui tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act and related federal reward laws. For decades, our firm has helped clients expose fraud, protect their livelihoods and recover substantial shares of the recovery for their courage and evidence that helps the government recover funds.
Schedule a Confidential Whistleblower Consultation by calling 414-616-3229 or completing our secure online form.
What Is A Qui Tam Lawsuit?
The term qui tam comes from Latin, meaning “who sues on behalf of the government as well as for themselves.” Under the False Claims Act (FCA), private individuals known as Relators may bring lawsuits on behalf of the federal government against individuals or companies that knowingly submit false claims for payment from public funds. A qui tam case is not a hotline report. It is a formal federal court action that the Relator’s attorney files under seal, meaning the court keeps the case confidential during the government’s investigation. The public and the defendant remain unaware of the filing until the assigned judge lifts the seal. This confidentiality protects both the whistleblower’s identity and the integrity of the investigation.
If the case results in a recovery, the whistleblower receives a share of the funds, generally 15 to 25 percent in the government intervenes, or 25 to 30 percent if the government declines and the Relator’s attorney proceeds with the case, depending on how strong the evidence is and how much cooperation the Relator provides. The False Claims Act dates back to the Civil War, when dishonest suppliers sold defective goods to the Union Army. Congress passed the Act to empower private citizens to help protect the government from fraud. Today, it remains one of the most powerful anti-fraud laws in the country and applies to nearly every industry that receives federal money.
Do You Have A Valid Whistleblower Claim?
Not every potential Relator is the original source of sufficient non-public information and documentation to properly plead a federal court complaint under the requirements to plead fraud. The evidence you provide must not be publicly available. The information must come from inside sources, such as internal billing records, contracts, reports or communications that reveal the details of the fraud. Whistleblower cases based solely on public information do not qualify for a share of any recovery.
Further, you must be the “First to File” to obtain a share of recovered damages. And, due to the seal procedure, your attorney will not know whether a similar case has already been filed. This makes timing essential. Even if another person has similar knowledge, the first to file under seal holds the legal right to the share of any recovery, so call a qui tam attorney as soon as you learn of fraud.
Other eligibility factors include your relationship to the entity involved and whether you obtained the information legally. An experienced attorney can assess whether your case qualifies under the False Claims Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Taxpayer First Act or the or other federal whistleblower award program.
If possible, contact a lawyer while you are still employed. This allows us to advise you on legal document retention, help preserve evidence and protect you from retaliation before it begins.
Types Of Government Fraud Cases We Handle
Fraud can appear anywhere federal dollars are spent. Our firm represents clients in a wide range of industries, including:
- Health care and pharmaceutical fraud: False billing, kickbacks, unnecessary procedures, off-label marketing, failure to give the government best pricing, and inflated drug pricing in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
- Defense contractor fraud: Overbilling for supplies or labor, substituting substandard materials, concealing product defects and falsifying test results in government contracts.
- Government grant and loan fraud: Misuse of research grants, falsified project data, or dishonesty in applying for or reporting on federally funded programs.
- Securities and commodities fraud: Insider trading, false accounting, or concealment of financial risks under SEC and CFTC regulations.
- Tax evasion and IRS whistleblower cases when recovery exceeds 1 million dollars: Corporations hiding income, claiming false deductions or shifting assets to evade federal taxes.
- Environmental and workplace safety fraud: False certifications of compliance with EPA, OSHA, or similar regulations tied to federal contracts or subsidies.
Fraud in these areas wastes billions in taxpayer money every year. Our attorneys analyze the documents, contracts, and billing records to identify the exact nature of the fraud and the best statute to pursue your case under.
The Process Of Filing A False Claims Act Case
Filing a whistleblower case is not as simple as sending evidence to a government hotline. The False Claims Act requires a formal process with strict procedural rules.
Step 1: Preparation and case analysis
We begin by reviewing your documents and verifying that the evidence meets the legal standards for a False Claims Act case. Each complaint must describe the fraudulent conduct with particularity. Our legal team drafts the necessary pleadings and ensures the case meets federal requirements before filing.
Step 2: Filing under seal
Once someone files the complaint, the court keeps it under seal for at least 60 days and often for multiple years in larger cases while the Department of Justice and relevant agencies conduct their investigation. During this time, they keep your identity and the allegations confidential. Investigators can petition the court to extend the seal if they need more time.
Step 3: Government intervention decision
After investigating, the government decides whether to “intervene” and take over the case. If it intervenes, it prosecutes the case with your lawyer’s cooperation. If it declines, you may be able to continue the lawsuit to trial without the government’s assistance.
Step 4: Recovery and reward determination
When the case ends in a settlement or judgment, the government calculates the whistleblower’s share as a percentage of its recovery. Our attorneys make sure the share is commensurate with the Relator’s contributions.
This process can take time, often several years, because investigations are thorough and involve multiple agencies. However, persistence often leads to significant recoveries and meaningful public impact.
How Whistleblower Percentage Shares Are Calculated
Lawmakers created whistleblower reward programs to motivate insiders to expose fraud. Under the False Claims Act, successful whistleblowers receive 15 to 30 percent of the recovered funds, depending on the quality of the information and the level of cooperation they provide. Rewards vary based on several factors:
- The degree of assistance offered during the investigation
- The significance and reliability of the information
- Whether the government intervened or the case proceeded independently
- The total amount of funds recovered
Our firm has helped clients recover millions through whistleblower cases. Cross Law Firm, S.C.‘s False Claims Act cases have results in well over $100 million in nationwide recoveries, including the first national recoveries in hospice care fraud and Medicare Part D violations. These results show both our depth of experience and the impact whistleblowers can have in protecting public funds.
Your Protection Against Employer Retaliation
Fear of retaliation is one of the most common reasons employees hesitate to report fraud. The law is clear: It is illegal to fire, demote, harass or otherwise retaliate against a whistleblower who works to stop false claims being submitted to the government.
The False Claims Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other statutes provide strong remedies, including:
- Reinstatement to your job
- Double back pay with interest
- Compensation for emotional distress and reputational harm
- Payment of attorney’s fees and litigation costs
Because Cross Law Firm, S.C., is also an employment law firm, we handle both retaliation claims and the underlying whistleblower case. This dual approach ensures a consistent strategy and attention to the protection of your career and reputation.
What If You Were Involved In The Fraud?
Many whistleblowers initially participated in the conduct they later report, often under direction or without understanding the legal implications. The law allows such individuals to come forward voluntarily and cooperate with the government while still being eligible for protection and, in many cases, a share of recovery, depending on the circumstances.
Our attorneys carefully evaluate your situation to limit potential liability and emphasize your cooperation. Acting quickly, before the government learns of the fraud from another source, can greatly improve your position. Confidential consultation ensures your rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whistleblower Lawsuits
Below are common questions we receive from individuals considering filing a whistleblower or qui tam claim, along with clear answers to help you understand your rights and next steps.
What is a qui tam lawsuit?
A qui tam lawsuit is when a private person, known as a Relator, files a legal case to reveal false claims submitted for payment to U.S. government programs. If the case leads to recovery, the whistleblower receives a share of the recovered funds.
Can I be fired for reporting fraud against my employer?
It depends. Federal laws make retaliation illegal, depending on the specific facts, so it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If your employer demotes, harasses or fires you for reporting fraud, you may be entitled to reinstatement, double back pay and other damages.
How much can I earn from a whistleblower case?
Whistleblowers can receive between 15 and 30 percent of the funds recovered by the government. The exact percentage depends on the value of your information, your cooperation and how early you reported the misconduct, as well as whether the government intervenes in or declines the case.
Who qualifies as a whistleblower?
Anyone with reliable, nonpublic information about fraud against the federal government can qualify. This includes employees, contractors, former staff or even competitors who discover that false claims are being submitted for payment with governement funds.
What happens after I file my complaint in federal court?
Once someone files the complaint under seal, the Department of Justice investigates the case while keeping your identity confidential. You may assist by providing clarifications or additional documentation. When the case is resolved, the government may award you a percentage of the recovered funds.
How long does a qui tam case take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the fraud and the government’s involvement. Some cases resolve in under two years, while others take longer because investigators conduct detailed audits and coordinate with multiple agencies. We keep clients informed throughout the process, so they know what to expect.
Every whistleblower’s situation is unique, and while these answers provide general guidance, speaking directly with an experienced attorney is the best way to determine how the law applies to your specific case.
Why Choose Cross Law Firm, S.C., For Your Nationwide Whistleblower Case
Experience That Produces Results
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling False Claims Act and whistleblower cases nationwide. We have guided clients through every stage of the process, from evidence collection to federal filing and from settlement or ligitation to final recovery.
Recognized Leadership in Whistleblower Law
Attorney Nola Hitchcock Cross and the Cross Law Firm, S.C. team have earned national recognition for her leadership in whistleblower and employment law. She has often presented in legal seminars on both the state and national arena regarding aspects of False Claims Act practice.
Nationwide Reach with Local Insight
We represent clients in federal courts across all 50 states. This national presence helps us track enforcement priorities and collaborate effectively with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and investigators.
Dual Experience in Employment and Whistleblower Protection
Our combination of employment law and whistleblower experience allows us to protect you against retaliation while pursuing your case. You do not need to retain two separate firms to defend your rights and manage your claim.
Trailblazers in Health Care Fraud Litigation
Cross Law Firm, S.C., obtained the first nationwide recoveries for hospice care fraud and Medicare Part D violations. These landmark cases demonstrate both innovation and persistence in the face of complex, high-stakes litigation.
Commitment to Integrity and Confidentiality
Every consultation is confidential. We use secure communication systems and maintain strict privacy protocols to protect your identity and your evidence at all stages.
Report Fraud. Protect Yourself. Help Recover Public Funds.
Every major whistleblower case begins with one person choosing to do the right thing. By reporting fraud, you not only protect taxpayer funds but also help restore honesty and accountability in government spending.
At Cross Law Firm, S.C., we provide the experience, discretion and advocacy you need to move forward safely. The law rewards those who act first and cooperate in good faith. If you believe you have evidence of fraud against the U.S. government, do not wait.
Call 414-616-3229 or submit your case details through our confidential online form to speak with a qualified qui tam lawyer today. All consultations are confidential, and you pay nothing unless we recover funds for you.