Definition. In a qui tam action, a private party called a relator brings an action on the government's behalf. The government, not the relator, is considered the real plaintiff. For example, the federal False Claims Act authorizes qui tam actions against parties who have defrauded the federal government.
What is a qui tam in healthcare?
A qui tam lawsuit is one filed by an individual whistleblower as part of the False Claims Act (FCA), a law punishing people or organizations who file false claims for funds from government programs. Qui tam lawsuits have been on the rise, especially in the healthcare industry.29 Dec 2020
What is a qui realtor?
Thus, the definition or meaning of the term Relator refers to someone eligible for a whistleblower reward based upon having an attorney file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act on behalf of the government alleging someone defrauded the government.
What is a relator case?
A “Relator” is another term for whistleblower. The Relator exposes government fraud by reporting it to the government and filing a False Claims Act lawsuit. It takes courage to become a whistleblower. Indeed, many successful Relators report that they did not bring their whistleblower cases for the money.
What does qui tam action mean in law?
Definition. In a qui tam action, a private party called a relator brings an action on the government's behalf. The government, not the relator, is considered the real plaintiff. If the government succeeds, the relator receives a share of the award. Also called a popular action.
What is qui tam FCA?
The qui tam provision of the Federal False Claims Act (FCA), or “Lincoln Law,” empowers whistleblowers (also known as a qui tam relator) who have firsthand knowledge of frauds or violations against the government to report them to the appropriate officials.
What happens during a qui tam lawsuit?
What Happens During a Qui Tam Lawsuit? Under the law, an employee who has evidence that his or her employer is defrauding the government can sue the employer and recover compensation for the fraud on behalf of the government. The lawsuit is “under seal” for 60 days.18 Oct 2021
What happens if a qui tam lawsuit is not successful?
False Claims Act Whistleblowers Protected Even Without a Successful Qui Tam Lawsuit. The False Claims Act contains a newly broadened anti-retaliation provision that protects whistleblowers who take actions in furtherance of a Qui Tam action, or in an attempt to stop one or more violations of the False Claims Act.
What does relator mean in law?
: a party other than the plaintiff upon whose information, knowledge, or relation of facts an action is brought when the right to bring the action is vested in another: as. a : the private person who brings a qui tam action.
What is a relator in a lawsuit?
In a qui tam action, a private party called a relator brings an action on the government's behalf. The government, not the relator, is considered the real plaintiff. If the government succeeds, the relator receives a share of the award. Also called a popular action.
What is a relator defined by the FCA?
In False Claims Act (“FCA”) cases, the person who brings the False Claims Act claim against the company or individual who commits fraud is called a qui tam relator. It is the federal Government's primary litigation tool in combating fraud against the Government.
What is a relator Bluebook?
Primary tabs. In a qui tam action, the private party helping the government is called a relator. If the prosecution succeeds, the private party receives a portion of the reward.
How long do qui tam cases take?
How long does a qui tam action take? The time from the filing of a qui tam action until its resolution varies greatly from case to case. Most cases, however, are resolved in two to five years. We have handled cases that lasted over eight years, but that is unusual.