Omaha Qui Tam Claims Attorney

Representation for Whistleblowers in Nebraska

Qui tam lawsuits may seem complicated, but they are fairly simple to understand: they are civil claims that a whistleblower can bring against a person or company that defrauds the government.

But actually filing and winning such a claim is no small feat and requires proving fraud has happened, often through evidence and documents from within the company itself. These are extremely important cases since they can save lives and help the government recover billions of dollars every year.

If you or a loved one has uncovered fraud within the company you work for, protect yourself and take steps to expose this behavior. You have a legal obligation to turn over this information to the proper government agency, but the repercussions can be harsh, especially from the company that you are exposing. A qui tam claim lets you take civil action against the fraudulent company, punishing them for their behavior and rewarding your honesty. If you have discovered serious fraud within a company, contact an Omaha qui tam claim attorney at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234.

What Is a Qui Tam Lawsuit?

The term "qui tam" is Latin and from a longer phrase that is over a thousand years old, which refers to a person acting on behalf of a king. Today in the U.S., it refers simply to a person’s right to bring a civil lawsuit against a company that is committing fraud against the U.S. government. It is frequently referred to as a "whistleblower lawsuit."

For example, a doctor who finds the hospital she works for is engaging in behavior to defraud Medicaid of millions of dollars should report this information to Medicaid. In addition to action taken by Medicaid and the Department of Justice, however, that doctor can also file a qui tam lawsuit against the hospital herself on behalf of the government. If successful, she will be awarded a portion of the recovered money for helping bring the fraud to light.

Nebraska Law Regarding Qui Tam Claims

Nebraska has only one specific law - the False Medicaid Claims Act - geared towards this type of fraud. This Act creates liability for a company or person who submits false Medicaid claims. However, it has no provisions for qui tam lawsuits by whistleblowers. Fortunately, there are federal laws in place that do: the False Claims Act, which was originally signed into law by President Lincoln during the Civil War, and reformed in 1986 to be applicable to modern companies. The FCA allows people to file civil claims in federal court against companies that defraud the U.S. government, including contractors working with the military and healthcare facilities that receive funding through Medicare and Medicaid.

Holding Businesses Accountable

The ultimate purpose of qui tam lawsuits is to help workers hold the companies that employ them accountable for their actions. It encourages people who see corruption and fraud occurring to take action and do something about it. While reporting wrongdoing to the proper authorities is legally required in most cases (for example, Medicaid fraud should go to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services), the FCA offers a financial reward to encourage this behavior. Since defrauding the government means stealing from U.S. taxpayers, it is ultimately a way to protect the public from monetary waste.

Doing What's Right

If you discover fraud in a company you work for, especially over government funding, you should report it immediately. There are legal requirements that you do so, and failing to act in this way can actually be a criminal offense. Being a whistleblower is about doing what is right, even when it is not easy. Taking the next step and filing a qui tam lawsuit, however, is about holding those who commit fraud accountable and punishing them for their dishonesty.

Winning such a claim is not simple, so you need an experienced Omaha qui tam lawyer by your side to help you file paperwork, meet deadlines, and prove your case. Call the legal team at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 to talk about your situation and discuss your options. Your consultation is free.

Additional Information

• Qui Tam Procedures: A Guide for Potential Plaintiffs
• What You Need to Know About Qui Tam Lawsuits
• Blowing the Whistle on Medicaid Fraud Can Save Lives!
• State False Claims Act Reviews