What if my employer fires me while I am investigating the false claims?
The False Claims Act has an anti-retaliation provision for the protection of qui tam relators. Someone who is fired, demoted, harassed or otherwise discriminated against because of lawful acts “in furtherance of” a qui tam action is entitled to all relief necessary to make the whistleblower whole. This may include reinstatement, twice the amount of back pay, and payment of litigation costs and attorneys’ fees. In addition, many states have wrongful discharge or other employment laws that may provide remedies for such discrimination. Note: The United States Supreme Court has ruled that retaliation claims are governed by state-law statutes of limitation, and these can be as short as several months. DO NOT SIT ON A RETALIATION CLAIM. CONSULT A LAWYER IMMEDIATELY.
What rights do I have if my employer retaliates against me for pursuing a qui tam case?
The False Claims Act protects employees who are discharged, demoted, harassed, or otherwise discriminated against because of lawful acts “in furtherance of” a qui tam action. Whistleblowers who have been retaliated against are entitled to all relief necessary to make them whole. This may include reinstatement, double back pay, and compensation for any special damages, including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. In addition, many states have wrongful discharge or other employment laws that may provide remedies for such discrimination. Note: The United States Supreme Court has ruled that retaliation claims are governed by state-law statutes of limitation, and these can be as short as several months. DO NOT SIT ON A RETALIATION CLAIM. CONSULT A LAWYER IMMEDIATELY.
What counts as retaliation under the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act protects whistleblowers against a variety of employment retaliation. Any employee who is discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or otherwise discriminated against because of lawful acts by the employee “in furtherance of” a qui tam action is entitled to all relief necessary to make the employee whole. Note: The United States Supreme Court has ruled that retaliation claims are governed by state-law statutes of limitation, and these can be as short as several months. DO NOT SIT ON A RETALIATION CLAIM. CONSULT A LAWYER IMMEDIATELY.