Miami Qui Tam Lawyer

Miami Qui Tam Lawyer

The federal government has a strong interest in protecting its finances, particularly in transactions with private companies. Powerful legal tools exist to encourage exposure of fraudulent or illegal conduct that impacts federal finances. This includes employees’ ability to file a qui tam case when their employer defrauds the government. Employers should protect their interests by working with a Miami qui tam lawyer.

The federal False Claims Act provides potentially significant monetary awards for those who report fraud committed by private companies (or contractors) against the government. If your employer does business with the federal government and you are aware of fraudulent or unethical activities, you may be able to bring a qui tam action to report the misconduct.

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.: Addressing Employer Fraud

Employees who report their employers’ fraud are taking on unique risks. Even though it is illegal for the employer to retaliate for such a claim made in good faith, many employers still take action and try to disguise their motives. When you are an employee who has witnessed governmental fraud in your workplace, working with an attorney can help you address the issue properly and protect your rights more securely if you are retaliated against.

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we can help employees review evidence to determine if fraud is occurring and help draft a qui tam claim to report the fraud. Our firm has worked for more than 20 years solely in employment law and is uniquely qualified to handle these cases.

If you have good cause to believe there is fraud when you file a qui tam claim, you cannot be retaliated against. Working with legal support can better help you safeguard your rights and determine if you have good cause prior to filing. Our firm provides accessible and effective legal representation as you navigate this claim, potentially helping you recover compensation.

Significant Monetary Rewards For Bringing A Confidential Claim

Qui tam actions can be pursued in a completely confidential manner. The claim can be filed under seal so that your name is not attached to the incriminating information. There are several ways that companies and agencies associated with the federal government may defraud the government, including:

• Defrauding Medicare or Medicaid through overcharging, miscoding, double billing or billing for services not rendered
• Off-label marketing of pharmaceutical products and medical devices for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration
• Misusing funds from the federal government for unintended purposes
• Committing fraudulent practices in federal government procurement or contracting

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., in South Florida, our lead attorney specializes in employment and labor law. Mr. Costales is board-certified as an expert in employment and labor law — a distinction few other Florida attorneys hold. He is the sole board-certified attorney in Miami who represents both employers and employees.

When your employer defrauds the government, they are stealing money both from the government and from taxpayers. In a qui tam case, a company or individual who defrauds the government must pay them back more than they stole, plus penalties. This can end up being a substantial amount.

If you are successful in the qui tam claim, you can receive a significant percentage of the fine imposed by the government as a bounty for bringing the case. Depending on the circumstances, the reward could be substantial, potentially numbering in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. An attorney can help you determine what you could recover in a successful claim.

Protections for Whistleblowers in Qui Tam Claims

Qui tam claims are a type of whistleblower case where an employee blows the whistle on illegal activity in their workplace. Employees are in a position that frequently gives them insight into the illegal practices of their employers and the ability to report the behavior. However, this can be difficult for many employees, especially those who are worried about their employment, their reputation, and their professional relationships.

This is why it is crucial that an employee has evidence supporting their claims. Working with an attorney during the investigation process offers you a third-party professional opinion on the case.

When you do file a good faith qui tam claim, you have rights. You are protected from retaliation by your employer. There are numerous different ways that retaliation can occur, and you are able to take action if it happens in your workplace. Retaliation includes negative employment actions, such as:

• Your employer cuts your pay rate, your benefits, or your hours.
• You are demoted to a less desirable job.
• You are transferred to another job location, often more inconvenient.
• You begin receiving unreasonably negative performance evaluations.
• You earned a promotion but were passed over.
• Your employer harasses you.
• Your employer encourages, allows, or fails to prevent a hostile work environment.
• Your employer refused to pay you the wages or benefits that you earned.
• You are assigned less desirable job duties.
• You are wrongfully terminated from your employment.

Retaliation is illegal for any protected action you take, including reporting illegal activity. An employment attorney can help you protect your rights if you are retaliated against after filing a qui tam claim.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Qui Tam Claim?

The most crucial evidence when filing a qui tam case is straightforward, reliable, and detailed information. This may include witness statements, financial documentation, intercompany memos, video footage, audio recordings, and digital evidence.

This evidence is compiled in the report to the federal district court, and the relevant agency will then conduct its own investigation. It is important to act quickly when you believe fraud is occurring so that an attorney can help you gather this evidence before it is no longer useful.

FAQs

Safeguarding Your Interests In Qui Tam Cases

Qui tam claims, like other whistleblowing claims, are essential to ensure trust and transparency in both private and public organizations.

Qui tam actions are a niche type of claim that requires skill and experience. It is important to work with an attorney who understands the intricacies of qui tam claims. At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we have the experience and resources you need. Because our firm focuses exclusively on employment law, we apply decades of experience and extensive firsthand insight to bolster our clients’ cases.

If you have uncovered evidence of fraud or financial mismanagement impacting the federal government, contact us online for a free telephone consultation. Call 786-446-7288. Based in Miami, our lawyers handle qui tam claims throughout South Florida.

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