Columbia Whistleblower Lawyers
When government programs are defrauded by private contractors, everyone loses. Our tax dollars are wasted, and the ripple effects can include higher costs of vital services. Employees who see the firms they work for engaging in wrongdoing can come forward as whistleblowers, get legal protection and share in any financial settlement that is ultimately reached.
Mann Blake & Jackson has taken on big cases against big opponents and won big verdicts. Our settlements have cleared the $50 million threshold. Every case is a new one and past successes can’t guarantee future results. But those past successes can give whistleblowers the confidence that they’re talking to Columbia, SC whistleblower lawyers who know what they’re doing, aren’t scared of a fight and will be with them all the way through the process. Call today at (803) 525-1645 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
The False Claims Act
The concern over fraud in government programs goes back to the 1863, when the United States was in the midst of the Civil War. Reports of fraud by defense contractors abounded. The False Claims Act—known casually as “The Lincoln Law” after then-president Abraham Lincoln was passed to help solve the problem.
This legislation covered abuses that range from billing for services never provided and overbilling for services. The False Claims Act prohibits kickbacks, including those that might be non-cash—such as getting products or property for less than their market value.
The False Claims Act has had an up-and-down history, including being weakened during World War II, when the government needed the defense industry to ramp up production quickly. It was strengthened again in the mid-1980s when media stories of Pentagon waste again made headlines.
Furthermore, the growth of government services since the original passage of the law in 1863 has made healthcare a prime area of potential abuse. Fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs are among the most common in whistleblower cases today.
A law that has no way of identifying who is violating it won’t do any good. To that end, the False Claims Act included a provision for ordinary citizens—employees of the contractors—to bring forth legal action on the government’s behalf.
Qui Tams Lawsuits
The phrase Qui Tams is shorthand for a Latin phrase that refers to someone who sues on behalf of both the King and for themselves. In our own day, this means a Qui Tams lawsuit is what a Columbia, SC whistleblower attorney from our office can help a client file.
Our lawyers can work with whistleblowers to make sure their documentation is in order and offer counsel on how to obtain any further information that might strengthen the case. Once the lawsuit is formally filed, it follows a different procedure than a typical civil case.
In order to ensure whistleblower claims can be backed up, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) spends 60 days investigating the case. During this period, the lawsuit is kept under seal. This means the potentially guilty employer cannot see the suit or even be made aware of it. If DOJ needs more than 60 days to investigate the veracity of the claim, they can request the court extend the seal.
If the whistleblower lawsuit is pursued and the contractor is found guilty, they may be held liable for up to 3x the amount of money that was defrauded. Furthermore, there is a fine for each individual violation. And the employee who courageously blew the whistle on the fraud? Under the terms of the False Claims Act, they can collect up to 25 percent of the total amount recouped by the government.
Whistleblower Protections
The time it takes to go through this entire process can be lengthy and employees may be understandably concerned about their job security. They can rest assured that the False Claims Act protects whistleblowers from being discharged, demoted, or denied promotion based on their coming forward.
If their rights are violated, they are entitled to reinstatement, compensation for lost wages in double, along with reimbursement for legal costs. Our Columbia, SC whistleblower lawyers will be prepared to vigorously defend the rights of our clients from the moment they walk through our doors.
Relentless Lawyers for Serious Cases
Whistleblower cases often involve taking on entrenched corporate interests that have significant political power. These are cases meant for attorneys that understand how to win a fight against a strong opponent and have a track record of doing so. That’s Mann Blake & Jackson. We’ve won big verdicts, including settlements in the $50-60 million range. We aren’t going to back down. Just as important, our track record means that powerful interests know we won’t back down. Whistleblowers can come to us. We’re honored to have their confidence and we’ll fight hard for them.
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We've Fought and Beaten Government Agencies
We've recovered over $100M in verdicts, settlements, and awards for our clients, much of that against government agencies. We know what you're facing, and we're the team to help you win.
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These Cases Are Close to Home For Us
Not only are we North and South Carolina attorneys, but our families, friends, and neighbors have fallen victim to the injustices at Camp Lejeune. We'll fight vigorously for you and your family not just because it's the right thing to do, but because we've been hurt by this too.
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We Know How to Protect and Service Our ClientsWe've fought for whistleblowers. We've fought for catastrophic injury victims. We know this can feel like a daunting road, but we have the experience and know what it takes to provide you the justice you deserve.
Real stories from real clients
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First-class in their representation of our family.
“Thorough and professional with a personal touch that made us comfortable throughout the entire process.”
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The compassion for their clients is excellent.
“They worked tirelessly to help me in my case. They always quickly responded to emails. Both of them exhibit expert knowledge in law.”
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I highly recommend Jenkins and his firm.
“He took the time to walk me through the legal process and explain all of my rights as if I was his only client.”
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So fortunate to have found them!
“He contacted us every day with complete explanation in detail of everything. He kept us informed daily.”
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Service was impeccable.
“He explained everything in great detail and laid out the best path forward. His service was impeccable.”
Success Stories with our Firm
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Whistleblower Recovery -
Breach of Contract
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Brain Injury
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Automobile Accident
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Trucking Accident, Wrongful Death
