The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that allows whistleblowers to bring lawsuits on behalf of the government against individuals and companies that have defrauded the government. The FCA has been used to recover billions of dollars in damages and penalties, and it has become one of the most effective tools for combating fraud against the government.
One of the key features of the FCA is that it pulls in other theories of liability. This means that even if a defendant did not directly violate the FCA, they may still be liable under other theories of law, such as common law fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.
For example, a company that submits false claims to the government in order to obtain payment for goods or services that were never delivered may be liable under the FCA, as well as under the common law theory of fraud. This is because the company made false representations to the government in order to obtain payment, which constitutes fraud.
Similarly, a company that overcharges the government for goods or services may be liable under the FCA, as well as under the theory of breach of contract. This is because the company promised to provide the goods or services at a certain price, but then overcharged the government, which constitutes a breach of contract.
In addition to pulling in other theories of liability, the FCA also provides for treble damages and civil penalties. This means that if a defendant is found liable under the FCA, they may be required to pay three times the amount of damages suffered by the government, as well as civil penalties of up to $11,000 per false claim.
This provides a powerful incentive for whistleblowers to bring FCA lawsuits, as they may be eligible to receive a portion of the damages and penalties recovered by the government. Whistleblowers are often employees or contractors who have inside knowledge of the fraud, and they are essential to uncovering and prosecuting fraudulent activity.
However, bringing a successful FCA lawsuit can be complex and difficult, and it is important to have experienced legal representation in order to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovery. That’s where Qui Tam Investigations by the law firm of Matthew Galluzzo can help.
At Qui Tam Investigations, our experienced team of attorneys has a proven track record of success in FCA cases, and we have recovered millions of dollars in damages and penalties on behalf of whistleblowers. Our attorneys will review your case with experts, and they will provide you with a thorough evaluation of your potential claim, as well as guidance on how to proceed.
If you are considering bringing a False Claims Act lawsuit, or if you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a whistleblower, please contact Qui Tam Investigations by Matthew Galluzzo today. Our experienced attorneys will be happy to assist you, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and protection that you deserve.