Are you concerned because you know that your employer may be committing fraud against the government, and you’re unsure of what to do next? The skilled attorneys at Bayuk Pratt can help. With over 50 years of combined experience, founders Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt have the knowledge and background to protect your rights and effectively handle your claim. Their past experience with top defense firms gives them the edge necessary to fight hard — and win.

Contact Bayuk Pratt today for a free initial consultation to take the first step toward exposing fraud and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

How an Atlanta Employment Lawyer Can Help in a False Claims Act/Whistleblower Claim

An Atlanta employment lawyer can provide valuable support in a False Claims Act/Whistleblower Protection Act claim. They can explain your rights and guide you through every stage of the claims process.

First, your lawyer will assess the strength of your case and gather evidence to support it. This might include collecting documents, interviewing witnesses, and conducting an independent investigation.

Next, they will handle the process of preparing and filing your lawsuit. This includes completing legal paperwork and meeting all relevant filing deadlines. Your lawyer will also communicate with government officials as necessary during the investigation, representing you and protecting your interests.

Your lawyer can protect your rights if your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim. They can take action against your employer, seeking legal remedies such as reinstatement or compensation for reduced income and other related losses.

Throughout the process, your Atlanta False Claims Act lawyer will provide useful advice and effective representation, increasing your chances of a successful outcome. They will work relentlessly to recover any financial rewards you are entitled to for exposing those defrauding the government.

What Is the False Claims Act All About?

The Georgia False Claims Act (FCA) is a law that allows people to report fraud against the government. This law encourages whistleblowers to expose businesses or individuals who defraud the state. Many types of fraud are covered by the FCA, including false billing, overcharging, and providing substandard goods or services. If someone reports fraud under the FCA and the case is successful, the person who filed the report can receive a portion of any recovered funds for their efforts.

The FCA includes provisions that protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Employers cannot fire, demote, or harass employees for reporting fraud. If retaliation occurs, the whistleblower can seek legal remedies, including reinstatement and monetary compensation.

What Is a False Claims Act/Whistleblower Claim?

A False Claims Act/whistleblower claim involves reporting fraud against the government. A False Claims Act/whistleblower claim is a type of qui tam claim. The term “qui tam” comes from a Latin phrase meaning “he who sues in this matter for the king as well as for himself.”

To start a claim under Georgia’s Whistleblower Act, the whistleblower or “relator” files a lawsuit on behalf of the government. The government then investigates the claim. If the government decides to join the case, it takes over the prosecution. If the government does not join, the whistleblower can continue the lawsuit independently. Whether or not the government takes over, whistleblowers can receive a portion of the recovered funds if their cases succeed.

What Are Examples of False Claims Act/Whistleblower Claims?

The False Claims Act targets various forms of fraud against the government. These violations often involve businesses or individuals trying to cheat government programs for financial gain. The following are some common examples of False Claims Act violations:

Healthcare Fraud – Healthcare providers might commit fraud by submitting false claims to government healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid. For example, a doctor might bill for services they did not provide or overcharge for treatments. They might also bill for unnecessary procedures or use incorrect billing codes to receive higher reimbursements.
Defense Contracting Fraud – Contractors working with the Department of Defense might submit false invoices for goods or services. They might deliver substandard or defective products, overcharge for materials, or bill for work they never completed.
Grant Fraud – Organizations that receive government grants might misuse funds by falsifying reports or inflating expenses. For instance, a research institution might claim costs for non-existent projects or divert funds for unauthorized uses.
Procurement Fraud – Companies bidding on government contracts might engage in fraudulent practices to win contracts. This could include submitting false certifications, colluding with competitors to fix prices, or providing misleading information about their capabilities.
Education Fraud – Educational institutions receiving federal funds might commit fraud by inflating enrollment numbers or falsifying aid applications. For example, a college might manipulate student loan applications or report more students than it actually has to get more financial aid.

What Can You Do If You Suspect Your Employer Is Breaking the Law?

If you know or suspect that your employer is defrauding the government, you can take steps to protect yourself and expose the wrongdoing. Here are the steps you should consider taking:

Document all instances of suspected fraud or illegal activity.
Keep copies of any relevant emails, documents, or communications.
Record the dates, times, and details of any suspicious activities.
Avoid discussing your suspicions with coworkers or supervisors.
Contact a lawyer with experience handling whistleblower cases for advice.
Avoid using company devices to document or report the fraud.
Do not confront the individuals involved in the suspected fraud.
Gather evidence that supports your claims, such as invoices or reports.
Keep your lawyer informed of any new developments or threats.
Follow your lawyer’s advice on how to proceed with your claim.
Cooperate with any government investigations into the fraud.

Testimonials

Christy Lambden is a thorough and thoughtful attorney. He truly cares about his clients and fights to get the best result possible.

- Marissa Torgerson

Frank and the entire team at Bayuk Pratt LLC, were an absolute pleasure to work with. Their professionalism, attentiveness, empathic demeanor, and overall knowledge were beyond anything I could have hoped for. Being out of the state, I thought the process may be difficult for me, but Frank and his team were able to make the entire process smooth and stress free. I highly recommend Bayuk Pratt LLC for any of your legal needs.

- Billy Adkins

Frank’s resume speaks for itself. It’s unusual to find a big law attorney who leaves the dark side to help real people. Without a doubt, Frank is one of the best trial lawyers in Atlanta.

- Hunter Garnett

Having worked with Bayuk Pratt on a number of personal injury cases, and having tried cases with Attorney Bayuk, I can personally attest to their exceptional legal skills and dedication to client success. With Bayuk Pratt, you receive top-notch, high-powered representation on the level of the biggest corporate clients. They demonstrate a profound understanding of personal injury law and provide insightful guidance and strategic advice. Their communication is clear and consistent, making sure clients and referring attorneys are well-informed at every stage of the process. Bayuk Pratt’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients is unmatched. I highly recommend this law firm.

- Bethany Schneider

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How Long Do You Have to File a Whistleblower Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the time frame to file a whistleblower claim depends on the situation. Under the Georgia False Claims Act, you must file a claim within six years of the violation or three years after the government knows or should have known about the violation. However, you must file no later than 10 years after the violation occurs.

For state-specific claims under the Georgia Whistleblower Act, public employees must file within one year after discovering the retaliatory action or three years after it actually occurs, whichever is sooner.

An experienced whistleblower attorney from Bayuk Pratt can help you identify these deadlines and file your claim within the appropriate time frame. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your rights and strengthen your chances of a successful outcome.

What Law or Laws Protect Employees in a Georgia Whistleblower Claim?

Several laws protect employees who file whistleblower claims in Georgia. The Georgia Whistleblower Act protects public employees who report fraud, waste, or abuse by state or local government agencies. Georgia whistleblower law prohibits retaliation against employees who make such reports in good faith.

The federal False Claims Act also protects whistleblowers, including those in Georgia. This law includes provisions safeguarding individuals who expose fraud against the federal government from retaliation. It allows whistleblowers to sue their employers if they face discrimination, demotion, or termination for reporting fraud.

The Whistleblower Protection Act protects many federal executive branch employees — in Georgia as well as throughout the U.S. — from retaliation if they report or testify about wrongdoing that defrauds the federal government.

These laws allow employees to report wrongdoing without fear of losing their jobs or facing other negative consequences.

What Are the Risks in a Whistleblower Claim?

Despite legal protections at the state and federal levels, filing a whistleblower claim involves several risks. One major risk is retaliation from your employer. This can include termination, demotion, or harassment. Retaliation can create a hostile work environment, which can make it hard to continue doing your job.

Another risk is the potential for legal challenges. Your employer might try to discredit you or your claims, leading to a lengthy and stressful legal battle, which can be emotionally and financially draining.

However, the potential benefit to society and possible financial rewards under laws like the False Claims Act can make whistleblowing worthwhile. Exploring the risks and benefits with the help of a qualified attorney is an excellent way to weigh the pros and cons of your decision.

What Compensation Could You Pursue in a False Claims Act/Whistleblower Lawsuit?

The amount of compensation you could receive from a False Claims Act/whistleblower lawsuit varies. Whistleblowers can receive a portion of the recovered funds for successful claims. Generally, this reward ranges from 15 percent to 30 percent of the total recovery. The exact percentage depends on several factors, including the significance of the information the whistleblower provides and the level of their involvement in the case.

If the government joins the lawsuit, the whistleblower typically receives 15 to 25 percent of the recovered amount. If the government does not join and the whistleblower continues the case independently, the reward can increase to 25 to 30 percent. In addition to this percentage, whistleblowers can recover compensation for legal fees and costs they incur as a result of the lawsuit. Moreover, if an employer retaliates against a whistleblower, the whistleblower can seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, or other losses resulting from the retaliation.

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False Claims Act Attorney in Atlanta