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Making the decision to report fraud can be a stressful, intimidating and uncertain process. The False Claims Act (FCA) that Congress designed to help combat fraud has provisions that allow private individuals to bring actions on the government's behalf and share in recovery.
Our False Claims Act lawyers help whistleblowers report and reveal fraud, maximize their potential rewards and protect their rights every step of the way. With substantial experience and the resources to take on even the largest corporate defendants, our qui tam attorneys are ready to advocate for you. With Goldberg Kohn, you don't have to do the right thing alone.
What Does a False Claims Act Attorney Do?
If you suspect fraud against the government, an FCA lawyer is your essential partner and advocate. Here's how we support you:
- Confidential case evaluation: We review your evidence in strict confidence, assess whether it qualifies under the False Claims Act and help you understand the potential risks and rewards of moving forward.
- Navigating the qui tam process: Filing a whistleblower lawsuit is complex and must be done under seal. We work with you to prepare and file a complaint and other necessary documents, presenting your claim clearly and securely to the court and other relevant government entities.
- Protecting your rights: Retaliation is a real concern. We explain your legal protections, help you document any adverse actions. The False Claims Act includes provisions that protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Additional state laws also provide protections for wrongful termination and adverse employment action. When necessary, we use these provisions to help you seek damages for retaliatory conduct.
- Coordinating with the government: We serve as your legal representative with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and other relevant agencies, helping you present your case, responding to inquiries and advocating for your interests throughout the investigation.
- Maximizing your recovery: If your case leads to a government recovery, you may be entitled to a significant financial recovery. We work to ensure you receive the maximum share allowed by law.
- Providing ongoing support: Throughout the process, we offer clear guidance, answer your questions and stand by your side so you can move forward with confidence.
Understanding the False Claims Act and Qui Tam Lawsuits
The FCA is a powerful federal law that empowers private individuals to help the government recover funds lost to fraud. Often FCA whistleblowers work for — or previously worked for — companies contracting with the government or receiving government funds through programs like Medicare.
What Is the False Claims Act?
The FCA creates liability for knowingly submitting or causing someone else to submit fraudulent claims for payment to the federal government. This law is especially important in areas like:
- Healthcare
- Defense contracting
- Government procurement
- Government subsidy programs
What Is a Qui Tam Lawsuit?
The FCA’s “qui tam” provision enables individuals known as whistleblowers or “relators” to file lawsuits on the government's behalf. If the case is successful, whistleblowers may receive 15% to 30% of the funds the government recovers.
Who Can File?
You may be eligible to file if you have credible, non-public evidence of fraud against the government. Common whistleblowers include:
- Middle managers
- Compliance officers
- Physician advisors
- Employees who notice irregularities in billing, reporting or contracts
What Types of Fraud Does FCA Cover?
The FCA addresses a wide range of fraudulent activities, such as:
- Overbilling or double-billing for services or products
- Providing substandard goods or services to the government
- Falsifying records or certifications
- Kickbacks or illegal referral schemes
- Misrepresenting eligibility for government programs
What About State-Level False Claims Acts?
The majority of states have False Claims Act equivalents with qui tam provisions to help expose fraud. Additionally, several local-level laws exist, such as those in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
These laws vary in scope, with some covering only Medicaid-related fraud, while others are broader. In some instances, fraudulent activity may violate both laws simultaneously and increase recovery potential. As an experienced qui tam law firm, Goldberg Kohn will help you determine which state or local laws may apply to your case.
Why Does It Matter?
The U.S. Department of Justice recovers billions of dollars each year through FCA cases — much of it thanks to whistleblowers. In fiscal year 2025, FCA settlements and judgments totaled more than $6.8 billion, the highest single-year sum in history. This amount includes both intervened cases — those in which the government joins as plaintiff or takes control of the litigation — and nonintervened cases, those pursued without governmental involvement. For 2025, total successful qui tam cases recovered over $5.3 billion, with relators receiving between 15% and 30% of those amounts.
What Doesn't Qualify As an FCA Case?
There are certain circumstances under which a case may be barred or not qualify as a violation of the federal FCA. These include fraudulent activity that's been previously reported and activities that exceed the statute of limitations, which is within six years of the activity's date or three years of the date that the government should have been aware of it. Fraud involving nongovernmental entities, like private health insurers, is also excluded under the federal law.
State FCA laws substantially differ, reinforcing the need to consult with an experienced FCA lawyer.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Whistleblower
Reporting fraud against the government carries legal rights and responsibilities. Some things to keep in mind as you consider pursuing action include:
- Keep detailed records and backups: Save relevant emails, documents and notes in a secure location. It's also best to have a backup of documentation as an extra layer of security.
- Limit discussions: Only talk about your concerns with your attorney. Conversations with your legal representatives benefit from confidentiality protection that discussions with others do not have. Plus, once a case is filed under seal, you must respect the confidentiality of others as the government investigates.
- Know how to identify retaliation: Whistleblower laws protect you from retaliation — your qui tam lawyer will explain these rights in detail and advocate for legal action when necessary.
- Maintain truthfulness: Full honesty and transparency with your attorney is essential. Disclose complete and accurate information to uphold your credibility.
- Follow your lawyer's instructions: Always adhere to the legal advice your attorney provides about conduct, disclosure and documentation to avoid compromising your case.
Why Choose Goldberg Kohn as Your False Claims Act Lawyers?
When you’re considering blowing the whistle on government fraud, you need more than just legal representation — you need a trusted partner who understands the risks, the process and your personal concerns. At Goldberg Kohn, you’re never alone. We guide you through every step, providing clear answers, strategic advice and unwavering support:
- Confidentiality: We understand that your privacy and career are at stake. Our team has experience with keeping whistleblower information highly confidential, and during the seal period, we protect your identity completely.
- Experience: Goldberg Kohn’s attorneys have a proven track record in high-stakes FCA qui tam cases, particularly in complex industries such as healthcare and government contracting.
- Personalized support: You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who guide you at every step and advocate for your best interests.
What Sets Goldberg Kohn Apart?
See why whistleblowers trust our firm:
- Decades of experience: Goldberg Kohn is one of the nation's leading experts on FCA cases. As experienced qui tam attorneys for whistleblowers, we understand the unique challenges you face and are dedicated to advocating for you and giving your matter the attention and expertise it deserves.
- Strategic advocacy: Our FCA attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators, ready to maximize your recovery and protect your rights.
- Reputation for results: We have helped clients recover significant rewards while holding organizations accountable for fraud. Our results speak for themselves.
Take Action With Confidence
Exposing fraud against the government is a courageous decision, and you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal advice, you can potentially receive a significant financial reward and help recover taxpayer dollars wasted on fraud.
Goldberg Kohn’s experienced False Claims Act attorneys are here to support you at every step, from confidential consultation to case resolution. If you’re ready to take action or simply want to explore your options, contact us today for a free and confidential conversation.
Your integrity can make a difference. Let us help you make it count.