A private person with material information about fraud involving federal government funds may be able to file a False Claims Act lawsuit on behalf of the United States as a qui tam relator. Relators may include employees, former employees, contractors, competitors, healthcare professionals, consultants, patients, and others. The Act contains restrictions involving earlier-filed cases, public disclosures, and personal involvement in the fraud.
Key Takeaways
- A relator does not have to be an employee of the defendant.
- The information should support a federal False Claims Act violation, not merely workplace misconduct.
- The first person to file may block later related actions.
- Publicly disclosed allegations can create a barrier unless an exception applies.
- The complaint must be filed under seal in federal court.
- The relator must disclose material evidence to the government.
- Legal advice should be obtained before reporting publicly or taking company records.
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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