Government fraud diverts taxpayer dollars into the pockets of corrupt contractors, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and other companies. These unscrupulous parties benefit themselves through inflated invoices, falsified records, illegal kickbacks, and other fraudulent means. All the while, government resources intended for the public are misused.

Whistleblowers are an essential line of defense against fraud, waste, and abuse. They report misconduct and bring qui tam claims to recover misappropriated government funds. But stepping up as a whistleblower requires courage and conviction. You’re not just doing the right thing by exposing wrongdoing. You’re putting your job and reputation on the line.

But the law is on your side — and so is Joe Cunningham Law.

Former U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham and his “people-first” attitude are committed to standing up for those brave enough to stand up against misconduct. If you’re considering filing a whistleblower claim, or your employer has retaliated against you for doing so, Joe is here to protect your rights and help you through this challenging process.

Let Joe shoulder the legal burden while you focus on doing what’s right. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation case review with a Charleston, SC, whistleblower lawyer.

What Is a Whistleblower/Qui Tam Claim?

A whistleblower or qui tam claim is a type of legal action initiated by an individual, often an employee, who has knowledge of defrauding or wrongdoing perpetrated against the government. “Qui tam” is short for a Latin phrase that means “they who sue on behalf of the king and for themselves.” This name reflects the dual-purpose nature of these claims, in which a whistleblower assists the government in bringing a case against a wrongdoer.

A whistleblower claim typically involves the employee of a public organization reporting waste, fraud, or abuse that results in substantial misuse or loss of public funds or resources. These claims can also include alleged violations of federal or state laws, regulations, or codes of ethics.

One key feature that sets whistleblower or qui tam claims apart is that they can result in monetary rewards for those who file reports. In South Carolina, whistleblowers are entitled to financial rewards if their information leads to substantial public savings by exposing and curtailing government fraud, waste, or abuse. This reward can be up to 25 percent of the estimated net savings following the first year of implementation of the employee’s report, though it’s capped at $2,000.

This financial incentive acknowledges the risk taken by whistleblowers, encourages other employees to come forward, and helps the government protect public funds and integrity.