Qui tam is a key provision in the U.S. False Claims Act (FCA) that encourages whistleblowers to report government fraud. The term “qui tam” comes from a Latin phrase meaning suing on behalf of the king and oneself.

Private individuals, referred to as “relators,” can file lawsuits against those who allegedly defraud the government under this provision. Successful lawsuits can reward relators with a portion of the recovered funds, usually ranging between 15 to 30 percent. As a result, qui tam incentivizes whistleblowers to expose fraud, waste, and abuse of government funds, assisting in the uncovering and prosecution of fraudulent activities.

When a qui tam lawsuit is filed, the government must decide whether to intervene and take control of the case or allow the whistleblower to proceed independently. Regardless of the decision, the government can still stay informed about the case’s progress and opt to participate if needed.

Greg Dykeman, a board-certified civil trial lawyer, has extensive experience in this area of law and can work on your case for the best possible outcome. With his guidance, you can navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights as a whistleblower.