Have you or someone you know suffered consequences for identifying or criticizing malicious behavior in an institutional space? If so, you may need to seek out a whistleblower attorney. These professionals specialize in whistleblower protection, shielding those who seek to pinpoint fraud or malicious behavior in government spaces and helping the individuals in question to fight back in confidence. Below is a comprehensive list of whistleblower retaliation statistics, the origin of qui tam lawsuits and how you can benefit from a proper whistleblower policy.
What Is A Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is a term used to describe a person who reveals a form of illegal activity within a public or government space. This can include, but is not limited to, criticism in an educational setting, a work setting or a government setting. Whistleblower retaliation statistics have revealed a significant portion of whistleblowers punished by higher powers for exposing unethical actions and, as such, has given rise to fields of law seeking to protect individuals from economic or judicial blow back.
What Is A Qui Tam Lawsuit?
Due to the tendency of many corporations and businesses to retaliate against whistleblowers, qui tam lawsuits have been designed to give whistleblowers fallback. Qui tam is an abbreviation of an old Latin phrase and was first used in regards to protection many hundreds of years ago. The earliest known form of a qui tam lawsuit was written in ancient Roman law books, allowing private citizens a modicum of agency when approaching the court room. This law was later adapted into modern society through a need to add more nuance and applicability in the department of justice.
What Consequences Can I Face?
Whistleblower retaliation statistics have shown over 20% of those reporting wrongdoing in a given space experiencing fallout for their actions, such as being fired or suspended. Yet more can be arrested, causing many to seek out whistleblower law firms in a bid to retain their right to justice. There are multiple public cases of qui tam lawsuits going to court, such as the Quest Diagnostic case and the Boeing settlement. Under the False Claims act, those who either knowingly submit or cause another person to submit false claims through government funds are liable to up to three times the government’s damages. These civil penalties can range from $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim.
What Is Whistleblower Policy?
Whistleblower retaliation statistics have helped cement a strong foundation for individuals to turn to should they face punishment by their employers or the judicial system for attempting to expose corruption. Both whistleblower policy and the False Claims act were designed from the ground up to ensure responsibility on all parties when fraud or corruption is exposed. Recent studies have revealed at least 70% of government criticisms being leveled by whistleblowers, raking in billions of dollars every year.
Do I Need A Whistleblower Attorney?
If you have attempted to reveal unethical behavior in your workspace or have exposed government fraud in the past, a whistleblower attorney will help you with the emotional and economic fallout. People who sue under the False Claims Act are called either ‘relators’ or ‘whistleblowers’ and are eligible for 15% to 30% of the amount covered, though this will depend highly on the unique circumstances of your situation. Whistleblower retaliation statistics are a helpful source to give you a better idea on what you’re facing and what to expect when you meet with a whistleblower attorney. Seek out your local whistleblower law firms and see how they can assist you in your time of need.
