Whistleblower & Qui Tam Lawsuit Attorneys

Protecting Whistleblowers and Exposing Fraud Against the Government 

Whistleblower laws exist to hold companies accountable for fraud against the government and to protect individuals who step forward to report it. Whether it involves overbilling federal programs, falsifying claims, or retaliating against employees who speak up, these cases play a critical role in safeguarding taxpayer funds and upholding the integrity of public programs.

Under the federal False Claims Act and similar state laws, whistleblowers can file “qui tam” lawsuits on behalf of the government to expose fraud and recover public money. These are complex and often high-stakes legal actions involving major corporations, federal agencies, and significant financial consequences. 

Having experienced counsel is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and maximize the potential impact of your claim.

Kershaw Talley Barlow: Proven Civil Trial Lawyers

Kershaw Talley Barlow is a nationally recognized trial practice that has recovered over $1 billion in compensation in high-stakes cases. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating claims under the federal False Claims Act, California’s False Claims Act, and other federal and state whistleblower statutes.

We handle cases involving:

• Federal and State False Claims Act (Qui Tam) Litigation
• Healthcare Fraud, including Medicare, Medicaid, pharmaceutical, and medical device fraud
• Defense Contractor and Procurement Fraud
• Grant, Financial Aid, and Disaster Relief Fraud involving misuse of public funds
• Whistleblower Retaliation and Employment Claims

Our firm has the resources and experience to take on powerful corporate and institutional defendants and provide strategic, confidential guidance to whistleblowers at every stage — from initial evaluation and filing under seal to government coordination and litigation.

Our whistleblower attorneys are based in Sacramento and handle cases nationwide. Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

A Record of Results in Complex Litigation

Kershaw Talley Barlow has successfully litigated against some of the largest corporations in the country. Our attorneys have secured landmark recoveries in cases involving fraud, defective products, and other complex disputes — experience that translates directly to representing whistleblowers in high-stakes qui tam actions.

• $390 Million – American Honda Motor Co. MDL settlement over bribery and vehicle allocation conspiracy
• $211 Million – BMW of North America, LLC. Class settlement for defective high-pressure fuel pumps
• $87 Million – UPS. Settlement for wage and hour violations affecting 23,600 drivers
• $45 Million – Ford Motor Company. Jury verdict for heavy truck dealers in a contract dispute
• $39 Million – VeriSign, Inc. Class settlement over misrepresented encryption security certificates

See more of our results.

Understanding Whistleblower and Qui Tam Lawsuits

Whistleblower and qui tam lawsuits are powerful tools for uncovering fraud against the government and recovering taxpayer funds. These cases are most commonly brought under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) or a state equivalent, such as California’s False Claims Act.

• Whistleblowers are individuals, often employees, contractors, or insiders, who report fraud or misconduct involving government funds.
• Qui tam lawsuits are legal actions filed by whistleblowers (called “relators”) on behalf of the government. If the case results in a recovery, whistleblowers are typically entitled to 15–30% of the amount the government recovers.
• Damages multipliers may apply in certain circumstances, meaning that the defendant company or entity may be required to pay back two to three times the amount fraudulently obtained. When this occurs, it increases the amount paid to the whistleblower.
• Whistleblowers can be employees, former employees, competitors, contractors, or even individuals outside the company who have credible, non-public information about fraud.

The term “qui tam” comes from the Latin phrase “qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso”, meaning “who sues on behalf of the king as well as for himself.” This reflects the dual role whistleblowers play in both protecting the public interest and asserting their own legal rights.

Common Types of Fraud Reported by Whistleblowers

Whistleblower cases often involve large-scale fraud against federal or state programs, including:

• Healthcare Fraud – Billing for unnecessary services, false claims for reimbursement, kickback schemes, or off-label pharmaceutical marketing.
• Defense Contractor & Procurement Fraud – Overcharging for goods and services, supplying substandard materials, or falsifying compliance with contract terms.
• Grant, Financial Aid & Research Fraud – Misuse of government grants, student aid funds, or research funding.
• Disaster Relief & Infrastructure Fraud – Misappropriation of federal or state funds intended for emergency response, infrastructure, or public works projects.
• Taxpayer Program Fraud – Any scheme involving misrepresentation or false claims for payment from public funds.

These cases often involve millions or even billions of dollars, and the government relies on whistleblowers to come forward with information that would otherwise remain hidden.

The Whistleblower Process

Whistleblower and qui tam lawsuits follow a specific legal process designed to protect the government’s interests, maintain confidentiality, and give authorities the opportunity to investigate fraud claims. The key stages include

1. Confidential Consultation and Case Evaluation. The process begins with a confidential consultation with attorneys. This step is critical for evaluating the strength of your evidence, assessing jurisdictional issues, and ensuring you follow the strict procedural rules that govern these cases. Importantly, timing matters The first person to file often has the strongest claim to potential rewards.
2. Filing a Sealed Complaint. If your claim meets the legal requirements, your attorneys will help you file a sealed complaint in federal or state court. “Under seal” means the lawsuit is kept confidential—neither the defendant nor the public is notified—while the government investigates. This seal typically lasts at least 60 days but often extends much longer while the investigation continues.
3. Government Investigation and Intervention Decision. Once the complaint is filed, the government (through agencies such as the DOJ or state Attorney General’s office) investigates the allegations. This may involve reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, or issuing subpoenas. After completing its investigation, the government decides whether to intervene (take over the case) or decline intervention (allow the whistleblower to proceed on the government’s behalf).
4. Litigation and Resolution. If the government intervenes, it usually leads the prosecution, with the whistleblower and their counsel supporting the case. If the government declines, the whistleblower’s legal team can continue the lawsuit independently. In either scenario, cases may resolve through settlement or trial, and successful whistleblowers may receive 15–30% of any recovery, including potential damages multipliers, depending on the circumstances.
5. Whistleblower Awards and Protections. If the case is successful, the whistleblower (or “relator”) is eligible for a financial award based on the amount the government recovers. Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation under federal and state law, which provides remedies if an employer demotes, terminates, harasses, or otherwise punishes them for coming forward.

Federal and California False Claims Acts

The federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733) is the primary law used to bring whistleblower lawsuits. It allows individuals to file claims on the government’s behalf for fraud involving federal funds or programs. Successful whistleblowers may receive 15–25% of the recovery if the government intervenes and 25–30% if they pursue the case independently.

California has its own False Claims Act (Gov’t Code §§ 12650–12656), which allows whistleblowers to bring similar claims involving fraud against state or local government entities. Like the federal statute, it provides for treble damages and whistleblower rewards.

Both federal and state laws include anti-retaliation provisions, which protect employees, contractors, and others who lawfully report fraud or assist in investigations.

Whistleblower Protections Against Retaliation

Coming forward with information about fraud can carry professional and personal risks. Federal and California laws offer strong protections against retaliation, including:

• Reinstatement if the whistleblower was terminated
• Two times back pay, plus interest
• Compensation for damages, including emotional distress
• Litigation costs and attorney’s fees

Retaliatory actions can include firing, demotion, pay cuts, harassment, blacklisting, or other adverse employment measures. Legal counsel can help whistleblowers understand their rights and pursue remedies if retaliation occurs.

Do You Have a Whistleblower Case?

You may have a whistleblower claim if you have non-public information that a company, organization, or individual has knowingly:

• Submitted false claims for payment to the federal or state government
• Overcharged, misrepresented goods or services, or failed to comply with contract terms
• Misused government funds, including grants or disaster relief money
• Retaliated against you for reporting or refusing to participate in fraudulent conduct

Documentation can strengthen a claim, but it’s not always required. Even partial information may be valuable if it leads to a broader government investigation.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Whistleblower and qui tam lawsuits are procedurally complex and often involve high-stakes litigation against powerful corporations and government contractors. The laws governing these cases are intricate, with strict deadlines and confidentiality rules.

An experienced Sacramento qui tam attorney can help you:

• Evaluate your claim and the potential for government intervention
• File under seal to preserve confidentiality and maximize eligibility for awards
• Navigate government investigations and coordinate with agencies effectively
• Protect against retaliation and preserve your rights
• Pursue recovery through settlement or trial if the government declines to intervene

Call For a Confidential Consultation: (916) 520-6639

If you have information about fraud against the government, acting quickly and strategically is essential. Kershaw Talley Barlow provides confidential consultations to evaluate potential whistleblower claims under federal and state False Claims Acts.

Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Sacramento whistleblower attorney.