Legal Dictionary

Qui tam

Qui tam is a Latin term that refers to a legal action brought by an individual, known as a whistleblower, on behalf of the government against a person or entity that has committed fraud or wrongdoing against the government. In a qui tam lawsuit, the whistleblower, also known as the relator, brings the lawsuit under the False Claims Act or similar statutes, and if successful, may be entitled to a portion of the recovered damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a qui tam lawsuit?

The purpose of a qui tam lawsuit is to encourage individuals with knowledge of fraud or wrongdoing against the government to come forward and report such actions. By providing financial incentives to whistleblowers, qui tam lawsuits help to uncover and deter fraudulent activities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

How does a qui tam lawsuit work?

In a qui tam lawsuit, the whistleblower, acting on behalf of the government, files a complaint under seal in a court of law. The government then has the opportunity to investigate the allegations and decide whether to intervene in the case. If the government intervenes, it takes over the primary responsibility for prosecuting the lawsuit. If the government declines to intervene, the whistleblower may choose to proceed with the lawsuit on their own.
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The 2023 Legal Trends Report

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