Introduction: Exposing Fraud and Protecting the Truth
You’ve seen something wrong at work — false invoices, billing for services never rendered, or government contracts padded with hidden costs. You’re torn between silence and conscience.
This is where the False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam lawsuits come in. These laws empower ordinary employees, contractors, and insiders to expose fraud against the U.S. government — and even share in the recovery.
At Swartz Swidler, LLC, we stand with whistleblowers who choose courage over complicity. Our attorneys help clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania navigate the complex qui tam process — ensuring they’re protected, heard, and rewarded for doing the right thing.
✅ Free, confidential consultations
✅ No fees unless we win
✅ Proven results in whistleblower retaliation and FCA cases
What Is a Qui Tam Lawsuit?
A qui tam lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a private individual — known as a relator — on behalf of the U.S. government to expose fraud.
The term “qui tam” comes from the Latin phrase “qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso in hac parte sequitur”, meaning “he who sues in this matter for the king as well as for himself.”
The Role of the False Claims Act
The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to sue companies that defraud federal programs or agencies — including Medicare, Medicaid, defense contracts, or pandemic relief funds.
Common examples include:
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Billing the government for goods or services never provided
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Falsifying test results or records
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Overcharging for supplies or labor
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Paying kickbacks for government referrals
When a company submits false claims to receive payment from the government, it commits fraud — and under the FCA, the whistleblower can recover 15–30% of the total funds recovered.
Who Can File a Qui Tam Lawsuit?
Not just government employees — any individual with credible, non-public information about fraud can file.
Eligible Whistleblowers Include:
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Employees or contractors with access to records
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Competitors who uncover fraudulent billing
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Former workers with insider knowledge
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Consultants or professionals who discover irregularities
You don’t have to be a government insider — only someone with reliable evidence of wrongdoing.
Legal Tip: Even if you participated in the wrongdoing under pressure, you may still qualify for protection and compensation if you come forward in good faith.
How the Qui Tam Process Works
Filing a qui tam case isn’t like a normal lawsuit — it’s filed under seal, meaning it’s confidential and not shared with the public or your employer at first.
Step 1: File Under Seal
Your attorney files the case confidentially in federal court. Only the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the court know about it.
Step 2: DOJ Investigation
The DOJ reviews your evidence, interviews witnesses, and may coordinate with federal agencies like HHS, DOD, or CMS.
Step 3: Government Intervention
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If the DOJ intervenes, it takes over prosecution.
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If the DOJ declines, you and your attorney can pursue the case independently.
Step 4: Resolution & Reward
If successful, you receive 15–30% of the recovered funds.
Many whistleblower settlements exceed millions in recovered taxpayer dollars.
Example: In 2023, the DOJ recovered over $2.68 billion in False Claims Act settlements, with whistleblowers awarded more than $300 million in total rewards (source: justice.gov).
Whistleblower Protections and Risks
The FCA and related state laws (like New Jersey’s CEPA) provide strong anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers who report fraud.
Protected Actions Include:
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Reporting fraud to a supervisor, compliance officer, or the government
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Refusing to participate in fraudulent schemes
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Cooperating in government investigations
Examples of Retaliation:
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Termination or demotion
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Pay reduction or reassignment
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Harassment or workplace hostility
If you face retaliation after reporting fraud, you may have a separate claim for damages under federal and state whistleblower protection laws — including back pay, emotional distress, and reinstatement.
Potential Rewards for Whistleblowers
Qui tam lawsuits aren’t just about doing the right thing — they also reward integrity.
Whistleblowers can receive a percentage of any funds the government recovers through settlement or judgment.
Reward Ranges:
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15–25% when the government intervenes
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25–30% when the whistleblower proceeds independently
Recent Notable Qui Tam Recoveries:
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$90 million recovered in a healthcare kickback case
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$25 million settlement in a defense contracting overbilling claim
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$10 million for a Medicaid false billing case
These rewards recognize the courage it takes to speak up — and the immense value whistleblowers provide in uncovering fraud.
Choosing the Right Qui Tam Attorney
Qui tam cases are legally complex and highly sensitive — not every employment lawyer handles them.
At Swartz Swidler, our attorneys bring decades of experience in False Claims Act and retaliation litigation, giving whistleblowers the protection and voice they deserve.
Why Choose Us:
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Proven track record with FCA and CEPA cases
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Deep understanding of DOJ procedures and sealed filings
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Compassionate representation — we protect your career and identity
“Whistleblowers are essential to justice. Without them, fraud would thrive unchecked.”
— Attorney Richard Swartz, Founding Partner
Key Takeaways
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The False Claims Act allows private citizens to expose fraud against the government.
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Whistleblowers (relators) can earn 15–30% of recovered funds.
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Cases are filed under seal to protect confidentiality.
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Federal and state laws prohibit retaliation for reporting fraud.
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Experienced counsel is crucial for navigating the qui tam process successfully.
Facts & Statistics
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The DOJ reported over $2.68 billion recovered in FCA cases in 2023.
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Over 80% of all FCA recoveries originate from whistleblower-initiated lawsuits.
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Healthcare fraud remains the largest category, with $1.8 billion recovered annually.
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Since 1986, whistleblowers have helped recover more than $75 billion in government funds.
(Source: justice.gov)
Take Action Today
If you’ve witnessed fraud or false billing involving government contracts, healthcare, or public funds, you have rights — and a voice.
Swartz Swidler can help you:
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File your claim confidentially
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Protect your career from retaliation
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Pursue your share of the recovery
📞 Call (856) 685-7420
📍 Office: 1101 Kings Hwy N, Suite 402, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
🌐 Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation
At Swartz Swidler, protecting whistleblowers isn’t just our job — it’s our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qui Tam Lawsuits
Q1: What is a qui tam lawsuit?
A qui tam lawsuit is a legal action filed by a whistleblower under the False Claims Act to expose fraud against the U.S. government.
Q2: Can I get rewarded for reporting fraud?
Yes. If successful, you may receive 15–30% of any government recovery.
Q3: Do I need to work for the company to file?
No. Anyone with insider knowledge (employee, contractor, competitor) can qualify.
Q4: What types of fraud qualify for qui tam lawsuits?
Fraud involving federal funds: Medicare billing, defense contracts, stimulus fraud, and more.
Q5: How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally 6 years from when the fraud occurred, but consult an attorney for exceptions.
Q6: Will my employer find out I filed?
Not immediately — your case is filed “under seal” and remains confidential during DOJ review.
