Whistleblower claims are allegations of improper practices, illegal activity, or fraud brought against organizations, agencies, or businesses. Usually, the whistleblower is a private or public employee. Still, it can be any person who reports misconduct or fraud that has been committed by a private entity or individual against an agency of the government.
The U.S government has recovered around $62 billion from whistleblower lawsuits between 1986 and 2019. The government paid $265 million to the individuals who exposed the false claims and fraud. Out of the $3 billion in settlement money reported in 2019 by the U.S. government, more than $2.1 billion originated from lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions. Since 1986, the number of qui tam lawsuits has increased significantly, with an average of over 12 new cases each week.
While the financial rewards of whistleblower lawsuits against companies can be immense, the risks and challenges whistleblowers must face on a personal level are just as substantial. Fortunately, several laws establish whistleblower protection for those who often suffer threats of retaliation from companies.
Learn more about whistleblower protections and how whistleblowers can earn rewards in qui tam lawsuits.