Whistleblower refers to describe someone who divulges about wrongdoing. There are many particular legal considerations that prospective whistleblowers must learn before they head towards filing a claim. Details are of utmost necessity in whistleblower actions, and the rewards are of equal importance as well. In order for filing a whistleblower claim, refer to the information below to understand the process in the first place.
What makes you a whistleblower?
Anyone who steps forward holding essential info about unethical or illegal practices in a company is deemed as whistleblower, although informally. The first thing a whistleblower should do to report the misconduct within their own company. When it comes to legal terms, most of the references are for the whistleblowers who report company’s fraud, waste or abuse or someone who keeps a formal claim ready that offers as a proof of wrongdoing. These claims are filed under a law which is referred to as False Claim Act. If you are seeking a whistleblower law firm, contact us today!
What is False Claim Act and what does it have in store for the whistleblowers?
The False Claims Act gives the whistleblowers an opportunity to report fraudulent activities against the government via qui tam suits. Qui tam suits refer to the lawsuits which are filed by citizens on government’s behalf. It was set in place to empower the whistleblowers against the fraudulent activities of the military contractors in the first place, but now it can be used for filing claims against the company in any industry whatsoever. This act also offers protection to those who is reporting the fraud as well as financial reward if the claim ends up as a monetary recovery.
How are whistleblowers provided protection?
Mostly the whistleblowers in the False Claims Act cases are the personnel of the companies they are filing a claim against. They hold the evidence important for the authorities because they were exceptionally placed within the company to witness and solicit proof showcasing fraud or abuse happened in the company. To empower the whistleblowers to step ahead, the Act has provisions that limit the companies from retailing against the whistleblowing personnel. Retaliation may take place in any form for those who reported the wrongdoing. If the company fails to comply with the law and fires the whistleblower, they can file a case against the company to get back pay or reinstatement.
