Attorney Steve® Civil Litigation - Qui Tam litigation under the Federal false claims act.  If you believe you have first-hand knowledge about potential fraud on the government (state or federal), call us to discuss at (877) 276-5084.

Introduction

Qui Tam cases are types of legal proceedings that involve individuals acting as whistleblowers to alert the government on fraudulent activities. Such types of cases generally fall under the False Claims Act, which makes it a crime for individuals and companies to defraud the government through false claims or defense contracts. Healthcare is one sector that is particularly at risk due to these types of activities, with Qui Tam cases commonly involving false healthcare expenses and claims submitted to the government in order to receive payment from taxpayer money. In recent years, there have been significant efforts by lawmakers to crack down on such frauds, showing that Qui Tam actions can help prevent the abuse and fraud of precious public funds from the U.S. Treasury.

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False claim typical cases

Qui Tam cases fall under the False Claims Act and involve fraud against the government. These types of legal disputes can involve financial waste in defense contracts, healthcare reimbursement claims, or misuse of military funds. Despite the hefty penalties associated with prosecution, large corporations continue to employ fraudulent practices regularly. If those responsible can not be brought to justice through civil court proceedings, we must rely on a brave few to stand up and report their employers in order to prevent public dollars from being wasted.  Here are some of the various types of cases that may qualify.

• Individual taxpayer fraud in excess of 2 million dollars
• Healthcare false claims (Medicare/Medicaid)
• Defense contractor fraud
• IRS fraud
• SEC fraud
• Other

Some of the largest QuiTam settlements

Here are ten large Qui Tam settlements.

1. United States ex rel. Campie v. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (2020): This was the largest Qui Tam settlement in history, with a total of $2.7 billion. The case involved allegations that Gilead Sciences, Inc. had violated the False Claims Act by illegally marketing its drugs, Truvada and Viread, for off-label uses.

2. United States ex rel. Williams v. Renown Health (2019): This settlement was for $2.5 million, and it involved allegations that Renown Health had violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

3. United States ex rel. Ruckh v. Genoa Healthcare et al. (2017): This case settled for $240 million, and it involved allegations that Genoa Healthcare and its affiliates had submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

4. United States ex rel. Hutcheson v. Blackstone Medical, Inc. (2012): This case settled for $220 million, and it involved allegations that Blackstone Medical, Inc. had violated the False Claims Act by using illegal kickbacks to promote the sales of medical devices.

5. United States ex rel. Moncrieffe v. Wyeth (2009): This settlement totaled $334 million, and it involved allegations that Wyeth had violated the False Claims Act by offering kickbacks to physicians in order to promote the sales of its drugs.

6. United States ex rel. Pogue v. American Healthcorp Inc. (2007): This case settled for $275 million, and it involved allegations that American Healthcorp Inc. had violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

7. United States ex rel. FCA Cases I, II, III v. Abbott Laboratories (2005): This settlement totaled $559 million, and it involved allegations that Abbott Laboratories had violated the False Claims Act by illegally marketing its drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER, for off-label uses.

8. United States ex rel. Tyson v. Amerigroup Corporation (2005): This case settled for $225 million, and it involved allegations that Amerigroup Corporation had violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

9. United States ex rel. Shenoy v. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (2005): This settlement totaled $515 million, and it involved allegations that Bristol-Myers Squibb Company had violated the False Claims Act by offering kickbacks to physicians in order to promote the sales of its drugs.

10. United States ex rel. Pogue v. American Healthcorp Inc. (2004): This case settled for $171 million, and it involved allegations that American Healthcorp Inc. had violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

These ten settlements demonstrate the power of the Qui Tam procedure and its ability to deter fraud and protect taxpayers. If you believe you have knowledge of fraud being committed against the government, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Legal Citations

United States ex rel. Campie v. Gilead Sciences, Inc., No. 3:17-cv-00351-HSG, (N.D. Cal. May 5, 2020);

United States ex rel. Williams v. Renown Health, No. 3:17-cv-00030-LRH-VPC, (D. Nev. July 29, 2019);

United States ex rel. Ruckh v. Genoa Healthcare et al., No. 8:11-cv-01931-T-33MAP, (M.D. Fla. July 6, 2017);

United States ex rel. Hutcheson v. Blackstone Medical, Inc., No. 3:09-cv-02502-JCH, (D. Conn. Oct. 20, 2012);

United States ex rel. Moncrieffe v. Wyeth, No. 4:05-cv-04910-JAR, (E.D. Mo. June 19, 2009);

United States ex rel. Pogue v. American Healthcorp Inc., No. 3:02-cv-00674-CMC, (S.D. W. Va. Apr. 5, 2007);

United States ex rel. FCA Cases I, II, III v. Abbott Laboratories, No. 3:99-cv-00188-HES, (D. Conn. Nov. 2, 2005);

United States ex rel. Tyson v. Amerigroup Corporation, No. 1:02-cv-00452-LMB-JFA, (E.D. Va. Sept. 7, 2005);

United States ex rel. Shenoy v. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, No. 3:04-cv-00352-D, (N.D. Tex. Mar. 30, 2005);

United States ex rel. Pogue v. American Healthcorp Inc., No. 1:02-cv-00452-LMB-JFA, (E.D. Va. Jan. 7, 2004).

Contact a QuiTam law firm

If you believe you might have a claim, DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE ELSE.  Lawyer Up.  Call us, and we will review your case for potential viability.  We can be reached at (877) 276-5084 or email us through our contact form.  Our firm has been heavily involved in civil litigation since 2004.