The False Claims Act is also known as the “Lincoln Law,” signed into effect during the American Civil War as a reaction to contractors selling the Union Army things like sick horses and mules. Designed to help U.S. taxpayers recover money that has been stolen from the federal government, the law allows any person who has information regarding a false claim to bring a whistleblower lawsuit against the company or organization that committed the fraud.
If you have knowledge of fraud against the government and are considering blowing the whistle, it is important to be aware that whistleblowers have a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit. Failure to take action within the specified time limit—known as the statute of limitations—could result in you losing your right to receive a financial reward for reporting the fraud.
Detailed evidence is a very important component in any qui tam case, even if the qui tam relator did not witness the fraud first-hand. Documentary evidence—such as financial records, emails, or memorandums—is often used in this type of litigation.
Whistleblower lawsuits are a complex type of litigation that have specific filing and pleading requirements and other unique considerations. Presenting a strong, well-documented case helps persuade the government to get involved with the investigation and can increase the likelihood that the whistleblower receives a monetary award for exposing fraud.
An attorney can also help to protect a whistleblower’s anonymity and protect them against retaliation.
The False Claims Act is also known as the "Lincoln Law," signed into effect during the American Civil War as a reaction to contractors selling the Union Army things like sick horses and mules. Designed to help U.S. taxpayers recover money that has been stolen from the federal government, the law allows any person who has information regarding a false claim to bring a whistleblower lawsuit against the company or organization that committed the fraud.
The Department of Justice is eager to work with corporate insiders and other individuals who have knowledge of false claims being submitted to the government. Our attorneys understand that whistleblowers who may have participated to some degree in submitting these claims may be reluctant to file a qui tam lawsuit. For those who elect to move forward with their claims, it is important to remember that your suit will be filed under seal. Furthermore, the federal False Claims Act and certain state laws provide additional protection for whistleblowers.
Fraud against the government ultimately hurts all taxpayers. Citizens pay taxes that help the government to perform vital public services. When the government is defrauded or laws are violated for private gain, it is the people who end up paying the price.
We understand that it takes great courage to come forward and blow the whistle on fraud; however, without the help of whistleblowers, the government and the American taxpayer will continue to lose billions every year due to fraudulent activity.
Teresa (Teri) DuBuisson-Mai was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised in Houston, Texas. She began her legal career as a legal assistant while attending St. Edward’s University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She continued working as a legal assistant while raising her daughter. Ms. Mai made the decision to continue her education and pursue a Juris Doctor at the suggestion of her daughter who was then a first-year law student.
Shakuwra Shaw was born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where her great-great-grandfather, James Bough, was appointed Assistant U. S. Attorney General by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of U.S. District Attorney. Ms. Shaw obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst at the age of 20. After graduating, Ms. Shaw returned to St. Croix and worked at a prominent law firm for several years. Interested in obtaining a law degree, Ms.
Juan R. Martinez is an attorney with Morgan & Morgan’s Complex Litigation Unit, where he focuses on qui tam whistleblower cases, opioid litigation, and other government enforcement matters. Juan attended Florida State University, where he studied international affairs and economics. He then attended Emory University School of Law, where he served as managing editor for the Emory Corporate Governance and Accountability Review. Before attending law school, Mr. Martinez proudly served in the United States Army and as a member of our country’s intelligence community.
