Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Representing Complex Whistleblower And Qui Tam Cases

It is not uncommon for employees to uncover evidence of corporate wrongdoing through the course of their work. From fraudulent activity to creating an environmental hazard, businesses need to be held accountable for their destructive, illegal acts. As an employee, you have the right to speak up. You need a strong, effective attorney on your side. You need a law firm like O’Brien Hatfield, P.A..

With extensive experience and a thorough understanding of criminal defense, our firm understands both sides of a legal battle. We will carefully analyze your situation – working with expert investigators when necessary – and develop a case strategy that not only holds your corporation accountable for their actions, but forces them to correct their activities in the future.

Providing Legal Guidance In The Full Range Of Whistleblower Cases

In Tampa, Lakeland and communities throughout Florida, our lawyers stand ready to provide aggressive representation in whistleblower cases including those centering on:

  • Qui tam fraud
  • Medicare/Medicaid fraud
  • Defense contractor fraud
  • Oil and gas royalty fraud
  • Environmental violations<
  • Knowingly selling defective products to the government
  • Fair Claims Act retaliation
  • Subcontractor liability
  • Workplace safety violations<
  • U.S. customs and shipping fraud

Whether whistleblowers are employees, former employees or individuals with access to internal company documents, it is crucial to act quickly.

What Is Qui Tam?

While many people use the terms interchangeably, a qui tam case is a specific type of whistleblower lawsuit in which the government has been defrauded. If the government successfully recovers funds that were lost due to fraud, the whistleblower is also rewarded.

Qui tam cases center on elements that impact the government financially including Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud and defense contractor fraud. Through these actions, the government will aggressively fight to recover stolen funds while protecting the whistleblowers who brought allegations of fraud to light.

Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers are afforded protection against retaliation and the possibility of being awarded a portion of the recovered funds. To learn more about your rights and protections, we encourage you to discuss your unique case with an experienced attorney.

Healthcare Fraud

A significant portion of qui tam whistleblower cases center on healthcare fraud. Fraud and financial abuse accounts for tens of billions of dollars in spending each year. These cases can include numerous factors, including:

  • Medicaid/Medicare fraudulent billing: including double-billing, neglect of services, standard of care violations, misrepresentation of credentials and submitting claims for both bundled and unbundled services.
  • Anti-kickback cases: when a medical professional offers or receives anything of value in return for referring a patient or ordering goods or services, this will likely violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and lead to False Claims Act liability.
  • Best price/best value: including rebates given on pharmaceutical orders and discounts on healthcare equipment.

Numerous fraudulent factors in addition to those mentioned can be central in a healthcare fraud case. Fortunately, the False Claims Act provides guidance under which legal professionals can hold facilities and providers accountable for their actions.

Did You Experience Retaliation?

While protections are in place for employees who act as whistleblowers to raise awareness of illegal activity, workers are often afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation. A large organization has many tools at its disposal – negative performance reviews, transfer, demotion, termination, cut hours, etc. – to punish an employee for challenging the company. Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation. If your business has sought to punish you for speaking out, do not hesitate to contact our firm.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Clients rely on us for exceptional service and aggressive advocacy. Trust our courtroom experience and let us fight on your behalf through your whistleblower or qui tam case. For a free consultation, call our firm at 813-440-2347 or 888-496-5916, or contact us online.