What have been the dollar recoveries in successful cases?
Most successful cases involve recoveries of $1 to $10 million—with a portion of the Government’s recovery flowing to the relator. The most successful qui tam cases are a few that have resulted in recoveries for the Government in excess of $400 million. Generally, the most successful cases are those in which the Government intervenes, either as to part or all of the case. However, from time to time a case that has not benefited from the Government’s active prosecution can also be financially successful for the Government and the relator, not to mention its deterrent effect on future wrongdoers. Since the late 1980’s, qui tam actions have increased dramatically and have been effective and successful in combating contractor fraud. Since 1986, qui tam recoveries have exceeded $1 billion with most of the successes involving fraud in Medicare and military programs.
