There are many ways for employees to address business misconduct. In some cases, reporting the matter internally to management could resolve the issue. Other times, they may need to involve outside regulatory authorities.
In special circumstances, it may even be possible to file a lawsuit against the company on behalf of the federal government. A qui tam lawsuit occurs when an employee who learns about fraudulent billing practices at a company acts as a relator to file a lawsuit. A successful lawsuit results in the courts ruling against the employer.
Do people who file qui tam lawsuits have to worry about employer retaliation?
Whistleblower laws applying in qui tam cases
Professionals who become aware of company misconduct have protection from employer punishment. Whistleblower protection laws at the state and federal levels prohibit retaliatory firings and other acts intended to punish employees who address unlawful billing and other employer misconduct. Filing a qui tam lawsuit is less common than other forms of whistleblowing, but it can still make a professional eligible for legal protection.
Employees technically have protection from any sort of retaliation, including demotions and unfavorable transfers, not just terminations conducted in retaliation for their whistleblowing activities. Professionals who decide to take legal action against their employers often need help throughout that process to ensure they have adequate protection.
Discussing the possibility of a qui tam lawsuit with a lawyer can help workers protect themselves and better understand their rights. Whistleblower rules can help protect even employees who take legal action against their employers. If companies unfairly retaliate against whistleblowers, they can fight back against that misconduct.