Whistleblower's Guide to the False Claims Act

Section 3730(h) of the False Claims Act prohibits an employer from retaliating against you for attempting to uncover or report fraud on the federal government. If retaliation does occur, you may also be awarded “all relief necessary to make the employee whole,” including reinstatement, back pay, two times the amount of back pay, litigation costs, and attorney fees.

There are limitations and pitfalls however:

• The retaliation case must be brought within the applicable statute of limitations;
• You must as an “employee;”
• The acts that you did must be “in furtherance of” an action under the False Claims Act as the courts have interpreted those words.

There may be additional or alternative damages available to you under applicable state statute, common law, or other whistleblower statutes.