Employment Law

Alabama & Georgia Whistleblower Attorney (Qui Tam Cases)

Whistleblower (Qui Tam) Cases

If you've discovered fraud, corruption, or illegal activity at your workplace—especially if it involves government funds—you may be eligible to file a whistleblower, or *Qui Tam*, claim. These claims not only help uncover wrongdoing but also entitle you to a portion of any government recovery.

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Whistleblowers are protected by law and play a vital role in holding organizations accountable. But these cases are complex, time-sensitive, and require strategic legal guidance.

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How Whistleblower Laws Work in Alabama and Georgia

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Whistleblower claims are often filed under the False Claims Act, a federal law that allows private citizens to report fraud against the government. If the government investigates and recovers money, you—the whistleblower—may be awarded 15–30% of the total amount recovered.

Georgia also has its own version of the False Claims Act. Alabama currently relies on federal protections. Both states follow strict timelines and rules, which is why swift action is key.

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Common Types of Whistleblower (Qui Tam) Claims

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The Workers’ Firm represents clients across a range of whistleblower actions, including:

  • Medicare/Medicaid fraud (e.g., upcoding, phantom billing)
  • Government contract fraud
  • Defense contractor overcharging
  • Banking or financial statement fraud
  • SEC violations under Dodd-Frank
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Selling defective or misrepresented products
  • Failure to comply with federal certifications
  • Concealing conflicts of interest in contracts

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How to File a Qui Tam Lawsuit (Steps to Take)

  1. Document Everything

    You’ll need detailed, non-public evidence to support your claim. Save emails, billing records, memos, and internal communications—but don’t share them publicly. The stronger your documentation, the better your chances of government action.

  2. File Your Complaint Under Seal

    Qui Tam complaints are filed confidentially in federal court, along with a disclosure statement that outlines your evidence. At this stage, your attorney will also meet with federal investigators to present your case.

  3. Unpaid Mandatory Activities

    Time spent in training, meetings, or preparing equipment must be counted toward your total hours.

  4. Government Investigation Begins

    Your case will remain under seal during investigation. You may be asked to stay in your role at work to help build the case. If the government decides to pursue the claim, you may be asked to testify. If they decline, you may have the option to continue privately (in some cases).

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Your Legal Protections as a Whistleblower

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Federal and state laws make it illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for blowing the whistle. That means they can’t legally fire, demote, harass, or otherwise punish you for speaking up.

If retaliation does occur, you may be entitled to additional damages—such as back pay, reinstatement, and compensation for emotional distress.

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Why Timing Matters in Whistleblower Cases

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Statute of Limitations

  • Under the False Claims Act, most whistleblower lawsuits must be filed within 6 years of the violation.
  • Some whistleblower protections (like under OSHA or Dodd-Frank) have much shorter windows—as little as 30–180 days.

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First to File Rule

To qualify for a monetary reward, you must be the first person to file based on original (non-public) information. Even if someone else files a day before you, you may lose eligibility for compensation.

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Thinking About

Reporting Workplace Fraud?

You don’t have to decide alone. If you’ve uncovered fraud or corruption at work and believe you may have a whistleblower claim, schedule a free and confidential consultation with The Workers’ Firm to discuss your options.‍

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