Qui Tam Whistleblower

Private Citizens can bring private lawsuits against a person or company that is believed to have defrauded the government. Qui tam suits are initially filed under seal on behalf of the government. If effect, the private citizen is suing on behalf of the government for fraud against the government, often because the government is unaware of being defrauded. Qui Tam suits most often involve fraud in the exercise of military defense contracts or fraudulent healthcare (Medicare or VA) billing or supplies. In a Qui Tam action, the plaintiff will be entitled to a percentage of the recovery of the penalty as a reward for exposing the wrongdoing and recovering funds for the government. Sometimes the federal or state government will intervene and become a party to the suit after learning of the fraud, in order to actively participate in protecting its interest and in case negotiations and litigation.