Rewards - How Much and How
The whistle-blower may receive between 15% and 30% of any recovery.
Because of the enormous losses from fraud, Congress has provided
this large percentage to encourage citizens to come forward and
be whistle-blowers.
In some cases, the Justice Department may decide to intervene.
If this occurs, the whistle-blower may still recover a portion
of the award. If the government declines to intervene and the
whistle-blower goes forward, the percentage the whistle-blower
is awarded may be substantially higher.
The whistle-blower (also known as the Qui Tam relator) must
follow a specific procedure for filing the claim. Failure to
do so can result in the dismissal by the court of an otherwise
meritorious claim. To protect your interest, it is wise to consult
an experienced attorney as soon as you become aware of a serious
fraud involving government funding.
Before a suit is instituted, the whistle-blower's lawyer must
notify the Justice Department of the violation and the whistle-blower's
intent to file suit. There are several keys to a successful Qui
Tam suit, but chief among them are the facts, meaning the merits
of a given claim. The quality and quantity of proof at the disposal
of the whistle-blower and the U.S. government attorneys will
determine the shape and outcome of the case.
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