What is the False Claims Act?
California state and federal law allows whistle-blowers to report fraudulent activities anonymously and share in the proceeds of any amount recovered by the government. Federal finance laws allow whistle-blowers to report financial fraud committed by their employers. The IRS has a similar program that allows whistle-blowers to report tax fraud. Additionally, the federal False Claims Act, and its California law counterpart, penalizes a person or entity that knowingly commits fraud against the government. Lawsuits filed under these laws are also known as whistle-blower cases.
These cases can involve a wide variety of companies and organizations, including health care providers, defense contractors and financial institutions, among others. At Wilshire Law Firm we represent the courageous men and women who step forward in the name of justice for themselves and the community as a whole.
Our dedicated attorneys, who specialize in whistle-blower and False Claims Act (Qui Tam) cases, are committed to helping clients obtain meaningful, effective change. In addition, Wilshire Law Firm has the resources, experience, legal expertise, and reputation for excellence needed to take on the large corporations involved in these complex cases.
Please complete the form below or call us at 1-800-798-2344 for a free and completely confidential evaluation of your case with one of our whistle-blower attorneys.
California False Claim Act Lawyers
What are examples of whistle-blower cases?
Common examples under the Dodd-Frank Act for securities law violations include insider trading, misusing investor funds, misleading investors, and failing to disclose conflicts of interest. For the IRS Whistleblower Program, any significant failure to pay taxes owed, with a statutory award to the whistle-blower if that amount exceeds $2 million; however, the program is not meant for resolving personal problems or disputes about a business relationship.
What are examples of False Claims Act cases?
Common examples include Medicaid and Medicare fraudulent billing and defense contractors overcharging the government for goods and/or services. Defense and health care are not the only sectors covered by the False Claims Act. Any corporation or individual who defrauds the government can be sued under this act.
If you take my case, will I have to pay any legal fees to Wilshire Law Firm?
No, there are never any upfront legal fees. In addition, as a whistle-blower, you can receive between 15 – 30% of the overall recovery of a successful lawsuit. Depending on the magnitude of the fraud, this amount can be millions of dollars.
What is the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations depends on the claim. For financial fraud reported under the Dodd-Frank Act, three years after the facts material to the claim are known. For tax fraud reported to the IRS, there is no statute of limitations if the wrongdoer had willful or fraudulent intent, otherwise it is three years. A qui tam lawsuit must be filed within six years of the date on which the fraud occurred or three years after the government became aware of the fraud.
What if I’m aware of fraud at the state level?
California has its own version of the False Claims Act and a program for reporting tax fraud. It’s best to contact our attorneys if you’ve become aware of fraud against the State of California.
Can my identity be kept from my employer?
Whistle-blower and False Claims Act lawsuits can be initiated anonymously so that the identities of those involved are not revealed while allegations are being investigated. With respect to False Claims Act lawsuits, be aware that if the court decides to unseal the complaint, your employer will be notified and the parties involved will be named. This may sound intimidating, but the False Claims Act does contain a strong, clear anti-retaliation provision to protect whistle blowers.
