If you discovered fraud involving federal funds or government contracts, you may have a qui tam claim. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents whistleblowers in Houston and across the nation who report False Claims Act violations. Our attorneys understand the demands of qui tam litigation and the courage it takes to come forward. We handle your case confidentially and work to help protect you from retaliation while pursuing potential recovery.
What Is a Qui Tam Claim?
A qui tam claim is a legal action that allows private citizens to sue on behalf of the federal government when they discover fraud involving federal funds. The term “qui tam” comes from Latin and is commonly understood to mean bringing an action on the government’s behalf. The person who files the claim is called a relator.
The False Claims Act is the primary law that governs qui tam cases. This federal statute makes it illegal for individuals or companies to submit false claims for payment to the government. When someone knowingly submits false information to obtain federal money, they may violate the False Claims Act. This includes healthcare fraud, defense contractor fraud, government program fraud, and other forms of alleged misconduct.
When you file a qui tam claim, your lawsuit is filed under seal. This means the case remains confidential, and the defendant typically does not know about it initially. The government has at least 60 days to review your claim and decide whether to intervene, though courts often grant extensions. If the government joins your case, it takes the lead in the litigation. If the government declines to intervene, you can continue the case on your own.
Qui tam cases help protect taxpayer money. When fraud goes unchecked, it can drain federal resources intended for public programs and services. By coming forward, you may help stop fraud and assist in recovering funds for the government.
Who Can File a Qui Tam Claim?
Many people can file a qui tam claim, but you must meet certain requirements. You need to have original knowledge of the fraud. This generally means you discovered the fraud through your own experience or work, rather than from public sources like news reports or government announcements.
Current and former employees often file qui tam claims. If you worked for a company that engaged in suspected fraud, you may have direct knowledge of the activity. Contractors and subcontractors can also file claims if they witnessed fraud in their work. Consultants, vendors, and other insiders may also qualify as relators.
You do not need to be a current employee to file a claim. Many qui tam cases are brought by former employees who later decide to report what they observed. The False Claims Act includes provisions that may protect qualifying individuals from retaliation for coming forward
There is a public disclosure bar that limits some claims. If the fraud has already been publicly disclosed through government reports, court filings, or media coverage, you may not be able to file unless you qualify as an original source of the information.
The statute of limitations for qui tam claims is generally six years from when the violation occurred, or three years from when the government knew or should have known about it, subject to certain limits. Acting promptly can help preserve your rights.
Types of Fraud We Handle
Fraud involving federal funds takes many forms. Healthcare fraud is one of the most common types of qui tam claims. This can include billing Medicare or Medicaid for services not provided, charging for unnecessary procedures, or submitting false medical records.
Defense contractor fraud involves false claims submitted to the Department of Defense. Companies may overcharge for equipment, submit inflated invoices, or fail to meet contract specifications.
Government program fraud affects federal assistance programs. This can include false claims for grants, loans, housing assistance, and other federal benefits.
Improper billing and reimbursement schemes can also lead to qui tam claims when they involve federal funds. These practices may harm both the government and compliant businesses.
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP handles a range of matters involving alleged fraud tied to federal funds. Our attorneys have experience investigating claims and building cases. We understand how federal agencies may become involved and how these cases are typically developed.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Qui Tam Claim
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP brings prior government prosecution experience to qui tam matters. Our lead attorney in this area has prosecuted white-collar cases for the federal government. This background can provide perspective on how these cases are evaluated.
Our firm handles qui tam and whistleblower claims as part of its broader practice. Some of our attorneys have been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers for work in complex litigation and mass torts. Our team includes experienced Houston catastrophic injury lawyers who understand the nuances of federal litigation.
We understand that coming forward can be difficult. We take steps to maintain confidentiality throughout the process. Your case is filed under seal, which generally means the defendant is not immediately notified.
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP works on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay upfront fees. We collect a fee only if there is a recovery through settlement or judgment.
Our firm has handled significant cases, including matters involving allegations of genetic testing fraud investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Past involvement in cases does not guarantee similar outcomes.
The Qui Tam Process and Timeline
Understanding the qui tam process helps you know what to expect. The process typically begins with a confidential consultation, where you share information about the suspected fraud.
After the initial consultation, we may conduct an investigation. This can include reviewing documents, speaking with witnesses, and gathering supporting information. Our workplace injury attorneys have extensive experience with document review and witness interviews.
Once sufficient information is developed, a qui tam complaint may be prepared and filed under seal. The defendant is not initially served, allowing the government time to investigate.
The government then has at least 60 days to review the complaint, though extensions are common. During this period, attorneys may communicate with government lawyers and provide additional information.
The government may choose to intervene, decline to intervene, or request more time. If it intervenes, it generally leads the case. If it declines, you may still proceed.
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve within a few years, while others take longer, especially if litigation continues. Class action and mass tort cases often follow similar timelines.
Recovery percentages depend on several factors. If the government intervenes and there is a recovery, relators may receive between 15% and 30%. If the government declines and the case proceeds successfully, recovery may be up to 30%, depending on the circumstances.
Whistleblower Protections and Retaliation Defense
The False Claims Act includes provisions intended to protect qualifying whistleblowers from retaliation. Employers are generally prohibited from taking adverse actions such as termination, demotion, or pay reduction in response to lawful reporting.
Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, suspension, threats, or harassment. It may also include subtler workplace changes, such as reduced responsibilities or exclusion from meetings. Union and labor workers have additional protections under federal labor law.
If retaliation occurs, you may have legal remedies. These can include reinstatement, back pay, and other damages where permitted by law. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP handles both qui tam claims and related retaliation matters.
Confidentiality is an important aspect of qui tam cases. Filing under seal helps limit early disclosure of your identity while the government investigates.
Many people worry about coming forward due to career or personal concerns. The law provides certain protections intended to encourage reporting of fraud.
If you experience adverse action after reporting fraud, you can discuss your situation with counsel to evaluate available options. Workplace retaliation claims may be pursued alongside your qui tam action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I recover in a qui tam case?
Your recovery depends on factors such as the amount involved, whether the government intervenes, and how the case resolves. In general, relators may receive between 15% and 30% of a recovery when the government intervenes, and up to 30% in certain cases where it does not. This is similar to recovery structures in mass tort litigation.
Will my identity be kept confidential?
Qui tam complaints are filed under seal, which means they are not initially disclosed to the public or the defendant. This confidentiality typically lasts during the government’s investigation period, after which the case may be unsealed.
What happens if the government doesn’t intervene in my case?
If the government declines to intervene, you may still pursue the case independently. These cases can involve additional challenges and costs, but recovery may still be possible. Whistleblower protection laws provide guidance on proceeding without government intervention.
How long does a qui tam case typically take?
Timelines vary. Some cases resolve in a few years, while others take longer, depending on complexity and whether litigation proceeds. Complex litigation often requires extended discovery periods.
Do I need to be a current employee to file a qui tam claim?
No. Former employees, contractors, consultants, and others with qualifying knowledge may be eligible to file. Workplace injury victims and independent contractors frequently bring qui tam claims.
What if I’ve already reported the fraud internally?
Internal reporting does not prevent you from filing a qui tam claim. In some cases, individuals report internally before pursuing legal action. Workplace retaliation protections apply even after internal reporting.
Can I be fired for filing a qui tam claim?
The False Claims Act includes protections against certain forms of retaliation. If retaliation occurs, legal remedies may be available. Federal whistleblower protections provide additional safeguards.
What types of evidence do I need to file a claim?
Evidence may include documents such as invoices, contracts, emails, or other records, as well as witness information. You do not need to have all materials before speaking with an attorney. Our Houston litigation team can help you gather and organize evidence.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP Today
If you discovered fraud involving federal funds, you may want to act promptly. The statute of limitations can limit how long you have to file a claim. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
During your consultation, we review your information, explain how the False Claims Act works, and outline possible next steps. Our lawyers also discuss potential recovery ranges and timelines based on available details.
You do not pay anything up front. We work on a contingency basis, meaning fees are collected only if there is a recovery.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP today by calling (713) 230-2200 or visiting our website to learn more about your options.