West Palm Beach Qui Tam Attorney
The False Claims Act was amended in 1986 to encourage the use of qui tam actions that allow citizens to bring claims on behalf of the United States when there is evidence of an individual or group committing fraud against the government. A successful claim can lead to a sizable monetary award for the person bringing the claim (relator) when they work with a West Palm Beach qui tam lawyer who understands how to handle court filings under the Act.
A Law Firm Dedicated to Addressing Fraud Through Qui Tam Cases
Blowing the whistle on fraud against the government is a serious decision that demands experienced legal guidance. Qui tam cases involve complex federal statutes, strict filing procedures, and high-stakes outcomes. Whether you are exposing healthcare fraud or government contract abuse, you need a lawyer who understands how to build a strong case while protecting your identity and rights throughout the process.
At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we bring unmatched experience to whistleblower litigation. Gary Costales is board-certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar, an honor fewer than 200 lawyers statewide hold, and has served as an EEOC trial attorney and Administrative Judge. His deep knowledge of federal procedures and insight into government investigations position him to pursue successful outcomes under the False Claims Act.
Understanding Qui Tam Cases in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, Florida, is a key jurisdiction for qui tam cases under the False Claims Act, where whistleblowers expose fraud against government programs. These cases often involve healthcare fraud, false billing, and government contract abuses. The Southern District of Florida, including West Palm Beach, sees numerous filings, with the government intervening in a portion of these cases. Successful qui tam actions can lead to significant recoveries for the government and monetary rewards for whistleblowers.
Qui tam cases allow private individuals to report fraud against the government, often involving healthcare billing. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, Florida’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit recovered more than $51 million, with a significant portion linked to false claims.
A federal task force in early 2024 charged nearly 200 people nationwide, including many in Florida, with healthcare fraud totaling $2.75 billion. Residents in El Cid, Flamingo Park, and Palm Beach Lakes can pursue these claims through the nearby Paul G. Rogers Federal Building.
Reasons To File a Qui Tam Case
The False Claims Act was passed with the goal of reducing fraudulent acts, such as overbilling Medicare or submitting false invoices for government contracts. For federal law to be effective, it relies on the cooperation of whistleblowers who have first-hand information about past or ongoing fraud.
One example of a potential source of fraud is overbilling for Medicare or Medicaid services. This could include miscoding services, double billing, or even billing for services that were never rendered. It is important to remember that filing a qui tam case affords you important whistleblower protections.
Pharmaceutical products and medical devices must go through a stringent approval process that is managed by the Food and Drug Administration. If a company moves forward with selling pharmaceutical products or medical devices without authorization, that company could be found in violation of off-label marketing.
Other areas where fraud occurs include misappropriating funds from the federal government or committing fraud through the government contracting or procurement process. When someone defrauds the government, they are stealing money from taxpayers. A successful qui tam case can lead to a court order to repay the government and the taxpayers for their misused funds, plus penalties.
Reasons You Need a Skilled West Palm Beach Qui Tam Lawyer
An attorney can play a critical role in ensuring that the case moves forward and is ultimately successful. An experienced attorney can help file your claim under seal, gather evidence of fraud, and comply with federal deadlines. With skilled legal support, you stand a better chance of recovering compensation following a successful claim. A lawyer can also preserve your standing as a relator under the False Claims Act.
For expert representation in qui tam cases, turn to the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Costales is a board-certified specialist in labor and employment law by the Florida Bar. A former EEOC trial attorney and administrative judge, he has litigated complex cases nationwide, bringing deep knowledge and strategic insight to whistleblower claims under the False Claims Act. His proven track record and dedication make him a trusted advocate for relators seeking justice and fair compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales for skilled qui tam legal guidance.
Call For A Free Telephone Consultation
Call (786) 446-7288 for a free telephone consultation with our office or use our contact form to tell us more about your situation.
FAQs
A: A qui tam case can take one to three years, depending on the complexity and whether the government intervenes. These cases are filed under seal, and the government has 60 days from the later of (1) the date the complaint is served or (2) the date the statement of material evidence is submitted to decide whether to take over. If the Department of Justice declines to intervene, the whistleblower may proceed with the case independently, often extending the timeline.
A: The U.S. Department of Justice leads most qui tam investigations and often works with agencies such as the FBI, HHS, or DOD when the alleged fraud involves their programs. During the sealed phase, federal attorneys and investigators review the evidence your lawyer submits. If the government intervenes, DOJ lawyers steer the case. If not, your attorney may continue the claim independently in federal court proceedings.
A: Filing a qui tam claim involves submitting a sealed complaint in federal court that details the alleged fraud against the government. Along with the complaint, your attorney must serve a written disclosure of all material evidence to the U.S. Attorney General and the local U.S. Attorney. The case remains under seal for at least 60 days while the government reviews the evidence and decides whether to intervene.
A: Whistleblowers can receive between 15% and 30% of the government’s total recovery in a successful qui tam case. The amount of compensation you receive depends on whether the government intervenes and the strength of the evidence provided. These awards can reach millions in large fraud cases. An experienced attorney improves your chances of securing a meaningful share while protecting you from employer retaliation and career harm.
Safeguarding Trust and Transparency in Private and Public Institutions
Qui tam claims are essential for ensuring trust in public and private organizations. When an individual or group believes they can defraud the government, they steal from taxpayers. At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., our legal team has the experience and resources needed to pursue these cases.
We focus on employment law, so we are deeply knowledgeable about the laws governing these cases. If you uncovered evidence that someone committed fraud against the federal government, contact our office online for a no-cost confidential consultation. We can review your case and help you move forward with your claim.
