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We work with whistleblowers to expose fraud against the government.

Government Contractor & Procurement Fraud

Today’s higher standards owe their origins to the Lincoln Law.

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) was enacted in part because of bad mules. During the Civil War, unscrupulous defense contractors sold the Union Army decrepit horses, mules in ill health, faulty rifles and ammunition, and rancid rations. These frauds prompted President Abraham Lincoln to urge Congress to pass, in 1863, the original False Claims Act, commonly known as the Informer’s Law or the Lincoln Law.

In a nutshell, the False Claims Act made it illegal for a party to present false statements in writing (claims) to the United States government in order to obtain money or reimbursement to which the claimant was not entitled — for example, payments for sickly mules. Today, while the False Claims Act is no longer used against traitorous Union suppliers, it is still an important weapon against government fraud, including government contractor and procurement fraud.

Claims against government contractors may be brought for many different types of false or fraudulent claims:

If, for example, a government contractor misrepresented its capacity to produce what was required by the contract or misrepresented itself as a small, disadvantaged, or minority enterprise — when it was not — in order to procure a government contract, the contractor would be liable for damages under the False Claims Act.

What is Qui Tam?

Under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA), whistleblowers have the power to save taxpayers billions of dollars each year by taking a stand against fraud. The U.S. False Claims Act allows private citizens to file suits on the government’s behalf when the government has been defrauded through any federally funded contract or program. The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act allow these citizens to recover damages. A number of states and the city of Chicago also have laws similar to the False Claims Act to protect against fraud. To learn more about the different types of fraud … READ MORE

2022 Healthcare Fraud, False Claims Act Settlements Exceeded $2B

October 12, 2023 Citizen whistleblowers helped the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) resolve a near-record number of False Claims Act investigations in 2022, resulting in more than $2.2 billion in taxpayer funds recovered, according to a recent DOJ report. “The government and whistleblowers…
Healthcare Fraud 2022

Waters Kraus & Paul Lawyers Named to 2023 California Super Lawyers List

November 22, 2023 Waters Kraus & Paul LLP is proud to announce that partners Gary Paul and Mike Armitage in the firm’s Los Angeles office have been named once again to the prestigious 2023 California Super Lawyers list. About Super Lawyers® Super Lawyers is an annual rating service that identifies outstanding lawyers based on a rigorous evaluation and review process. The multiphase selection process includes peer nominations and evaluations combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The goal is to provide a credible, comprehensive and…

What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus & Paul has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

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