The False Claims Act protects employees, contractors, and agents from retaliation for lawful efforts to stop violations of the Act. Protected individuals may be entitled to reinstatement, two times the amount of back pay, interest, compensation for special damages, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees when they are discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or otherwise harmed because of qualifying conduct.
Key Takeaways
- A person does not necessarily need to file a qui tam lawsuit before retaliation protection applies.
- Protected activity can include lawful efforts to stop a False Claims Act violation.
- Employees, contractors, and agents are covered by the statute's text.
- Retaliation can include more than termination.
- Potential remedies include reinstatement and double back pay.
- A retaliation claim has its own filing deadline.
- Separate federal or Florida employment laws may provide additional protection.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. False Claims Act cases involve federal procedural requirements, sealed filings, government investigations, statutory defenses, and strict deadlines. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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