Whistleblower Claims

The law protects employees who, under certain circumstances, “blow the whistle,” or report to the government or law enforcement agency, employers who are breaking the law. Such employees may not be fired, mistreated, or otherwise retaliated against for “whistle blowing,” as long as the employee has a reasonable basis for his or her belief that the activity was illegal, even if the employer did not actually violate the law.

If you have detailed knowledge that a company has defrauded the government or otherwise wasted taxpayer money, you may be entitled to a finder’s fee for blowing the whistle on the company’s illegal activity, sometimes up to 30% of whatever the government recovers.

Under various laws, such as the False Claims Act (FCA), individuals are empowered to sue corporations on behalf of the government – and all of us – in order to protect our national investments..

For instance, if you are aware of any of the following activities, you should consider speaking with a lawyer about how to blow the whistle and protect your rights – and all of us:: (1) knowingly presenting to the government a false or fraudulent claim for payment; (2) knowingly using a false record or statement to get a claim paid by the government; (3) conspiring with others to get a false or fraudulent claim paid by the government; (4) knowingly delivering less than all money and property due to the government; (5) intending to defraud the government by making or delivering a document certifying receipt of property used, or to be used, without knowing that the information on the receipt is true; (6) knowingly buying or receiving public property or money from an officer, government employee, or a member of the Armed Forces, who is not authorized to give it; and (7) knowingly using a false record or statement to conceal, avoid, or decrease an obligation to pay money or transmit property to the government.

Many times, current employees of a company are in the best position to blow the whistle on fraudulent activities. For this reason, there are laws in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Any employee who is discharged, demoted, harassed, or otherwise discriminated against for blowing the whistle may be entitled to reinstatement, double back pay, and compensation for any special damages, including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Because of the special procedures required under the various whistleblower laws, and the sensitive nature of such claims, it is important for you to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible if you become aware of illegal activity involving taxpayer money.

If you want to blow the whistle, or just discuss your options, we are here to help. You are welcome to contact our firm at (212) 425-4250, for a private and confidential discussion with an attorney.