Columbia Whistleblower Claims Lawyer
One of the government’s most effective methods in uncovering fraud and misuse of taxpayer money is the False Claims Act, which enables everyday employees to file moderate to massive lawsuits against their employer on behalf of the federal government. The False Claims Act is a deterrent to theft as well as a form of compensation for the government, as well as the employee. Depending on the claim, employees can be rewarded handsomely for their part in uncovering employer fraud. Our Columbia whistleblower claims lawyer at Simmons Law Firm has represented whistleblowers for over two decades, and knows what it takes to win large claims while protecting the livelihood and best interests of our clients.
The False Claims Act
The federal government often recovers between $2 billion and $4 billion each year in False Claims Act lawsuits. Thousands of whistleblowers enjoy part of the monetary awards as compensation for their actions in uncovering their employer’s greed. Companies, whether they are hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors, or major retailers, all have one common goal: to maximize profits. Some corporations and large companies will do anything they can, or anything they think they can get away with, in order to achieve this goal. This can include improper disposal of toxic waste, billing Medicare patients for services that were not provided, and defense contractor cross-charging. The three most common types of fraud in False Claims Act lawsuits are:
- Healthcare fraud—Examples of healthcare fraud include overbilling, kickbacks, and fraudulent billing.
- Government contractor fraud—Examples of government contractor fraud include false certification, deceptive charging, and defense contractor fraud.
- Environmental fraud—Examples of environmental fraud include violations of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Protection From Retaliation
As a whistleblower, you are protected under federal law from being unfairly fired or retaliated against by your employer for your willingness to participate in a whistleblower lawsuit. Under this law—the Whistleblower Protection Program—an employer cannot take any adverse action against you for being a whistleblower, including firing, laying off, demoting, denying overtime, denying promotion, or reducing your pay or hours. If your employer does take an adverse action against you during the whistleblower lawsuit, it is usually assumed that it is out of retaliation. As such, it is often possible to prove an employer’s wrongdoing in such a scenario. Employees are then able to seek damages in a separate lawsuit against their employer for violating federal Whistleblower Protection law and South Carolina statute 8.27.10.
Call a Columbia Whistleblower Claims Attorney Today
The federal government depends on the bravery of employees when it comes to fighting fraud and taxpayer waste. If you have knowledge of your employer’s theft or misuse of taxpayer dollars, we urge you to reach out to the Columbia Whistleblower Claims attorneys at Simmons Law Firm at once. Your knowledge can be put to good use in the fight against employer fraud and wrongdoing, and you stand to profit from your contributions. Contact us today at Call 803-779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
