As a whistleblower, what do I need to know before hiring a qui tam attorney?

Answer: As a whistleblower who is pursuing a qui tam lawsuit, it is important to consider the pitfalls and the governing law behind such litigation before hiring an attorney.

Here are some more questions often asked by whistleblowers about Federal qui tam cases:

• What do I have to prove?
• What is the potential recovery?
• How do I file?

Please review Joel Androphy’s Federal False Claims Act and Qui Tam Litigation for answers to questions about the law and strategy. The treatise addresses corporate whistleblower issues, and what to anticipate from litigation.

You should also be aware that qui tam claims are subject to a Statute of Limitations. Claims arising under the False Claims Act (qui tam claims) must be filed within six years of the submission of the false claim, or within three years after the government should have learned of the facts underlying the claim, but in no event longer than ten years, whichever occurs last. The area of limitations periods is complex. There are also first-to-file rules, public disclosure bars, original source issues, and potentially varying limitations on pursuing retaliation claims. Time is critical.

If you have any more questions about the False Claims Act and whether or not you have a case, please contact us by completing this form.

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