What are Whistleblower protections?
Both the United States Attorney General and private citizens may bring lawsuits alleging a violation of the False Clams Act. When brought by private citizens, these actions are known as qui tam lawsuits, and the citizens who file these suits are known as “realtors” or “whistleblowers.” Whistleblower protections cover employees who bring suit pursuant to the False Claims Act. If these employees are discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or discriminated against because of their involvement in a claim, the employee may bring suit against his or her employer. A court may then determine that the employee is entitled to reinstatement, twice the amount of back pay plus interest, attorney’s fees, and other costs and expenses.
