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Whistleblower & Qui Tam law in Albany involves individuals, also referred to as "whistleblowers" or "relators," reporting illegal activities or fraudulent practices performed by their employers or other entities. Qui tam provisions, derived from the Federal False Claims Act (FCA), allow these individuals to sue the wrongdoer on behalf of the government and possibly receive a portion of the recovered damages.
Legal aid is necessary for ensuring you are fully protected throughout the process of disclosing wrongful actions. Lawyers specialized in Whistleblower & Qui Tam cases can guide you on how to proceed, file the case correctly, and represent you in any legal proceedings. They can also help protect you from possible retaliation, wrongful termination, or other forms of discrimination resulting from your whistleblower activities.
New York State and Albany have specific laws in place designed to protect whistleblowers. The New York False Claims Act contains qui tam provisions analogous to the Federal False Claims Act, encouraging and protecting individuals who report fraud against the state. Additionally, Section 740 of the New York Labor Law provides protections to employees against any retaliation from their employers as a result of whistleblowing. It's key to be familiar with these laws when pursuing such actions.
Conducts that involve fraudulent practices or wrongdoings against government programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, can lead to a whistleblower or qui tam action. This includes issues like overcharging, providing unnecessary services, or delivering substandard goods or services.
Retaliation against whistleblowers is illegal under both federal and state laws. This protection extends to actions like termination, demotion, harassment, or other forms of discrimination following a whistleblowing event.
If successful, whistleblowers can receive between 15% to 30% of the recovered damages secured by the government, depending on several factors including the quality of the case presented and whether the government decided to intervene.
Yes, evidence plays a critical role in qui tam actions. The more detailed and convincing your information is, the better your chances of success. A lawyer will help you compile and present this evidence appropriately.
While you can file a lawsuit ‘under seal’, which keeps your identity confidential for a certain period of time, in most cases your identity may ultimately need to be disclosed during the course of the legal process.
You may find the following resources helpful:
If you believe that you have information on fraudulent practices, first document all the facts, information, and evidence related to the suspicious activity. Contact a lawyer specializing in whistleblower and qui tam law to discuss your case and review the options. Remember your rights are protected, and there are laws in place to ensure your safety as you take a stand against fraudulent or illegal behavior.
