It takes courage to blow the whistle on a corrupt company. We admire that bravery and will stand with you to protect your rights.

Texas Qui Tam Lawyer

If you’ve had the courage to expose the wrongdoings of a company through a qui tam action, you may be facing retaliation such as job loss or other forms of punishment. There are laws in place to protect whistleblowers from such retaliation, but understanding these laws can be difficult. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved in qui tam cases and can effectively represent you in court.

You are a whistleblower if you have disclosed information that you believe is evidence of:

• Violation of any law, rule, or regulation
• Gross mismanagement
• Gross waste of funds
• Abuse of authority
• Substantial and specific danger to public health
• Substantial and specific danger to public safety

Once you’ve blown the whistle, exposing the company’s wrongdoing, it is unlawful for that company to retaliate against you by:

• Terminating your employment
• Demoting you
• Harassing you
• Garnishing your wages
• Allowing other employees to mistreat you

These acts of reprisal are unlawful and may be grounds for a lawsuit to obtain damages.

At Hilliard Law, our experienced attorneys have provided clients with dedicated and tenacious representation since 1985. We know how to fight for you. Call us at 361-203-4394 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Qui Tam and Corporate Whistleblowing in Texas

Qui tam is a unique provision under the False Claims Act that allows whistleblowers to file lawsuits on behalf of the government, exposing fraudulent practices by organizations such as overcharging the government on goods and services. Whistleblowing cases, including qui tam action, have become one of the fastest-growing segments of consumer litigation in Texas, highlighting their impact in combating fraud and the increasing prevalence of qui tam case filings.

The False Claims Act allows any individual, not just U.S. citizens or those within U.S. territory, to serve as a whistleblower. This broad inclusivity and the potential to recover up to 30% of the recovered sum make whistleblowing financially rewarding as well as ethically imperative.

In qui tam cases, timing plays a significant role as potential recoveries are exclusively awarded to the first whistleblower to report the fraud.

False Claims Act

Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can:

• File qui tam lawsuits against defendants for defrauding the federal government
• Act on behalf of the government to uncover fraudulent activities and hold guilty parties accountable
• Receive financial compensation and job security for their courageous actions in uncovering fraud
• File claims under seal and potentially remain anonymous throughout the process, as the Act provides for the confidentiality of whistleblowers.

To begin the process, a whistleblower attorney bears significant responsibility. They guide their clients through the process, helping to identify actionable facts under the False Claims Act and providing support throughout the proceedings. Whether it’s a case of defense contractor fraud, tax fraud, or any other form of government fraud, our  experienced whistleblower protection attorneys at Hilliard Law are an indispensable ally in the fight against fraudulent practices.

Common Types of Fraudulent Practices

Fraudulent practices in Texas are not limited to any single industry or sector. Healthcare fraud, for instance, covers a wide spectrum of offenses, including:

• Doctor shopping
• Forgery
• Fraudulent billing practices
• Impersonating a healthcare professional

These offenses can have severe consequences under the Texas False Claims Act, with penalties including doubling the violation payments and up to $15,000 in administrative penalties per violation in a federal False Claims Act case. However, the final amount can vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of each case.

The Role of a Texas Qui Tam Whistleblower Attorney

When it comes to qui tam cases, experience matters. Texas Qui Tam whistleblower attorneys provide much-needed perspective and handle cases from investigation to trial, utilizing deep knowledge of the law and fighting tirelessly for the rights of whistleblowers. Their cooperation with entities such as the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and IRS can greatly increase the chances of success in qui tam litigation. 

These attorneys are instrumental in:

• Providing legal advice and guidance throughout the entire process
• Conducting thorough investigations to gather evidence
• Building strong cases to present in court
• Negotiating with defendants and government agencies
• Securing multi-million-dollar settlements
• Holding corporations accountable for their fraudulent activities

Through representing individuals in Qui Tam litigation, these attorneys reinforce the enforcement of both federal and state laws against corporate fraud. Their ultimate goal is to safeguard the rights of those who bravely expose corporate misconduct.

Legal Representation and Advocacy

Qui Tam whistleblower attorneys are critical for providing legal representation, preparing and filing complaints, and fostering a trusted attorney-relator relationship. This relationship holds importance considering the extended duration and intricacies of Qui Tam lawsuits. A whistleblower attorney represents their clients’ interests in court to ensure their rights are protected and navigate the multi-layered legal analysis required to present a compelling case to the Department of Justice.

With their experience in prosecuting fraud cases, these attorneys assist in assembling the necessary evidence and carrying out thorough investigations into claims, maintaining the whistleblower’s anonymity throughout the process. Initial consultations offered by firms like ours, Hilliard Law, provide a confidential environment to discuss case details, ensuring that the whistleblower’s identity and information are securely managed from the outset.

Handling Retaliation Claims

The Texas Whistleblower Act specifically prohibits governmental entities from taking adverse employment action against public employees who report legal violations in good faith. These adverse actions include:

• Employment Termination
• Demotion
• Harassment
• Wage garnishment
• Mistreatment by co-workers

Retaliated whistleblowers are entitled to the following remedies under the Texas Whistleblower Act:

• Reinstatement
• Compensation for lost wages
• Fringe benefits
• Seniority rights
• Recovery of court costs and reasonable attorney fees

Whistleblower protection attorneys play a critical role in managing the risks associated with reporting wrongdoing and offer legal protection from employer retaliation, such as termination or demotion, in whistleblower claims. 

Employers have a duty to post notifications in the workplace to inform their employees of the protections and rights provided under the Texas Whistleblower Act.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Whistleblower Attorney

Selecting a suitable whistleblower attorney is a paramount decision. It’s necessary to verify that the attorney has specific experience and a triumphant track record in handling a particular type of case, like qui tam actions or SEC whistleblower submissions. Assessing the attorney’s reputation with government agencies and their history of intelligently handling litigation against large companies is also important.

Establishing a trusting relationship with an attorney is of prime importance, as they should be dedicated to meticulously developing the case through what can be a drawn-out and strenuous process. While the physical location of the law firm is a consideration, experience should take precedence over proximity.

Why Choose Us

At Hilliard Law, we have been tenaciously handling qui tam cases nationwide with unwavering dedication since 1985. With our legal experience and steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of whistleblowers, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in Texas whistleblower law. We understand the challenges that whistleblowers face and provide the necessary guidance through the legal process.

Our Track Record

At Hilliard Law, we have a proven track record of securing significant settlements in whistleblower cases. We have successfully helped clients through complicated legal challenges, resulting in substantial settlements. Since 1985, our firm has been dedicated to providing relentless legal representation and protecting the rights of whistleblowers against corporate misconduct in the courtroom. Evaluating our firm’s successful judgments and settlements is essential, as it demonstrates our adeptness in handling the intricacies of whistleblower cases, many of which are notoriously difficult to win.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

At Hilliard Law, we prioritize the anonymity of our clients, ensuring that the identities of whistleblowers are never disclosed without their explicit consent. We implement stringent measures to file whistleblower cases discreetly, safeguarding personal details from public exposure or unnecessary parties. The sensitive information entrusted to us in these cases is handled with the highest degree of confidentiality, employing secure methods for communication and document management.

Under the client-attorney privilege, all communications between our clients and the attorneys at Hilliard Law are rigorously protected.

Contact Hilliard Law for Trusted Whistleblower Advocacy

At Hilliard Law, we understand the pivotal role whistleblowers play in combating fraud, and we recognize the power of qui tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act as an essential tool in this fight. When it comes to these complex cases, the importance of choosing the right legal representation cannot be overstated. Our track record of securing successful settlements, our specific experience in qui tam litigation, and our unwavering commitment to maintaining our clients’ confidentiality and anonymity make us a steadfast ally for whistleblowers throughout Texas. 

If you have information about fraud against the government and are considering a qui tam lawsuit, contact Hilliard Law today at 361-203-4394 for a confidential consultation.