June 7, 2024
Qui Tam Litigation: Its Impact on Government Enforcement
At Berg & Androphy, we expertly manage qui tam litigation, distinguishing ourselves with a remarkable track record of success. Qui tam law allows private citizens to initiate legal actions on behalf of the state, a vital tool in legal and government contexts. Through this process, individuals not only protect government interests but also stand to benefit personally from successful outcomes. Our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in such cases, demonstrating our commitment and expertise in navigating these complex legal waters.
The Role of Qui Tam in Government Enforcement
Most qui tam cases are governed by the federal False Claims Act, which empowers whistleblowers to file lawsuits on behalf of the government. This important provision encourages individuals who have knowledge of fraud against the federal government to come forward, providing them with a portion of any funds recovered. When a whistleblower reports a false claim, it triggers the litigation process, setting the stage for a qui tam lawsuit. At Berg & Androphy, our impressive track record in qui tam cases speaks volumes about our dedication to justice. We advocate for the appropriate use of government funds across various sectors, including healthcare fraud and medical malpractice, defense, and government contracting. Our firm upholds the highest principles of truth and integrity in every case we handle, making sure that justice is served and that fraudulent activities are brought to light and addressed. Through our skilled legal representation, we continue to contribute to a transparent and accountable government. Our firm stands firm on principles of truth and integrity in every case we handle.
Qui Tam’s Contribution to Detecting Fraud
In many of our own successful cases, we can see the work of qui tam action detecting substantial frauds against the government. One being ‘PharMerica Pays $4.9M to End False Claims Act Suit Alleging Kickbacks and Medicaid Fraud’. The lawsuit claimed that from 1999 to 2005, PharMerica sought and received kickbacks from Organon in the form of discounts in exchange for promoting the antidepressants Remeron and Remeron SolTab. The whistleblowers in this qui tam case were represented by Joel Androphy and Janis Gorton of Berg & Androphy.
Another successful case was ‘$25.4M settlement agreement reached in fraudulent billing suit over provisions supplied to American troops overseas’. The United States of America, by and through qui tam Relator individuals Robert Reddell and Robert Hendrix, brought the action under the False Claims Act. According to the fourth amended complaint, the government unwittingly paid fraudulent bills for Damco’s work from at least 2011 to 2013. The realtors are represented by the law firms of Berg & Androphy in Houston and Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard in Beaumont.
Each whistleblower case handled by Berg & Androphy further solidifies our expertise and dedication to exposing government fraud. Qui tam cases, in general, facilitate the uncovering of hidden or complex fraud schemes that might otherwise go unnoticed. With the incentive of a whistleblower reward, qui tam supplements government enforcement efforts and contributes to the detection and prevention of fraud against the federal government. With many eyes and ears, this approach promotes the proper use of funds, actively discouraging deceitful activities. Anyone aware can report fraud and become a qui tam whistleblower.
Preventing Fraud Through Qui Tam Litigation
The deterrent effect of qui tam litigation is crucial in protecting government funds from potential fraudulent activities by corporations. The possibility of facing litigation encourages many corporations to properly manage the funds they receive. Any intent to commit fraud is tempered by the knowledge that whistleblowers could come forward, motivated by potential financial rewards—there is no certainty in secrecy. The complexities and challenges of qui tam litigation, including the burden of proof and the requirement for substantial evidence, are significant hurdles that underscore the seriousness of these cases. Since 1986, the False Claims Act (FCA) has paid out over $7.3 billion in rewards to whistleblowers, leading to more than 13,200 qui tam cases being filed. These cases have enabled the federal and state governments to recover over $55 billion in civil settlements and criminal fines. These substantial figures send a clear message: the truth will be uncovered.
In summary, the importance of qui tam litigation in supporting government efforts to combat fraud cannot be overstated. Berg & Androphy’s dedication to justice and their critical role in promoting a transparent and accountable system through qui tam litigation is evident in their successful case histories. If you suspect fraudulent activities against the government, contact Berg & Androphy for a consultation, and let us turn your case into another success story.