Seattle Washington Qui Tam Attorneys

Qui Tam ­ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a qui tam lawsuit?

A qui tam lawsuit is a lawsuit brought forward by a private citizen under the False Claims Act. In a qui tam case, the individual has knowledge of activities that defraud the U.S. government. This person brings a case on the government’s behalf.

What is a "relator"?

A relator is the person who brings a qui tam action.

How long do I have to file my qui tam case?

Qui tam cases are subject to strict timeframes. An individual may not file a qui tam case more than ten years after the fraud took place. They must bring their case either three years after the government should have known or had knowledge of such violation, or six years after the date of the claimed violation. This can be true even if the fraud has been ongoing for years. Delay can mean part or all of the fraud cannot be pursued. Also, the first person to file the lawsuit may recover a reward. Later filers may be out of luck. Acting quickly is important.

What incentives are there for me to file a qui tam case?

Don’t I pay for the lawsuit on the government’s behalf? While the individual does pay for the initial phases of the lawsuit, legitimate and valid qui tam cases are usually taken over by the government. Most qui tam lawyers are willing to advance these costs on behalf of their clients, and take the case on a contingency fee basis (no fee unless there is a recovery.) If fraud is proven, the relator stands to obtain between 15 and 30 percent of all monies recovered in a qui tam case. Given stiff penalties for government fraud and the serious nature of most qui tam cases, the recovery can be millions of dollars. Further, when the case is settled there is typically an additional amount added for attorneys’ fees.

What kinds of cases constitute qui tam fraud?

Any situation in which the government is defrauded by a contractor, individual, or even a local government can be a potential qui tam case. Many qui tam cases concern Medicare fraud or fraud by governmental contractors. See our page on “Types of Qui Tam Fraud” for more examples.

Is my qui tam case worth the money and effort I’ll spend bringing it to trial?

Not necessarily. You should consult with a qui tam lawsuit lawyer to find out if your qui tam case is valid and has a good chance of being of interest to the government.

What if I am retaliated against for "blowing the whistle" on fraud?

There are federal and state laws that protect whistleblowers. In addition, the False Claims Act stiffly penalizes those who retaliate against whistleblowers. Be sure to talk to your lawyer about these concerns. Frequently, steps can be taken in advance which can protect you or increase your compensation in the event retaliation occurs.

I think I have a valid qui tam case. What should my next step be?

If you are aware of fraud and wish to file a qui tam case, don’t go it alone. Contact an experienced and reputable Seattle Washington qui tam attorney, who will evaluate your case and help you decide whether to pursue qui tam litigation. The attorneys of Teller & Associates are committed to civil rights and have extensive experience litigating qui tam cases. Contact us today for a free phone consultation. It’s convenient and completely confidential.