What is Qui Tam Litigation?

The basics of FCA litigation

What whistleblowers need to know

Act Fast, But Carefully

It is important to act quickly on allegations of fraud. The False Claims Act bars whistleblowers from filing allegations that match a case that has already been filed, and limit whistleblowers' ability to bring cases based on publicly available information. Speed should not overtake care: False Claims Act fraud allegations also must be specific and well-supported.

Sealed Filing

Every False Claims Act case is secret and must be filed under seal. The case remains under seal (and the whistleblower must keep their case secret) while the Government investigates and decides whether to intervene.

Government Intervention

If the Government intervenes, it takes primary responsibility for the litigation; if the Government declines to intervene, we prosecute the case on the Government's behalf. Whether the Government takes the lead or we do, our firm always represents and advocates for our clients.

Rewards and Payment

Successful False Claims Act whistleblowers (called "relators") are entitled to between 15% and 30% of any money the government recovers based on allegations they brought. Our firm only gets paid if we recover money for our clients.

False Claims Act (FCA) Qui Tam Litigation

The False Claims Act is the principal statute for recovering Government money lost due to fraud. The FCA allows any person to pursue contractor fraud on behalf of the government and, if successful, to recover a reward for doing so. HMTG is a nationally recognized pioneer in the successful use of the False Claims Act.

What is the False
Claims Act?

The FCA empowers private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against individuals or companies that commit fraud. Common fraud schemes include:

Timeline of Important Whistleblower Cases

Throughout history, courageous whistleblowers have played a pivotal role in uncovering fraud, protecting public safety, and driving legislative change. This interactive timeline highlights key cases that shaped whistleblower protections and enforcement, from exposing corporate misconduct to reshaping federal laws. Each case represents a turning point in the fight for accountability, demonstrating the power of individuals to challenge corruption. Explore the moments that defined modern whistleblower protections and discover the lasting impact of these landmark cases.

Get a sense of who we are and what we do by reading more about our Past Cases.

1984

Helmer, Martins, Tate & Garrett Co., LPA represents Jack Gravitt

The firm now known as Helmer, Martins, Tate & Garrett Co., LPA represents Jack Gravitt in what becomes the only pending qui tam action reviewed and considered by Congress when it modernizes the False Claims Act two years later.

1986

Modern False Claims Act

Congress revamped the False Claims Act to encourage whistleblowers (qui tam relators) to report fraud against the government, with key inspiration from the Gravitt case. HMTG attorney Jim Helmer’s testimony before the House of Representatives and the United States Senate was pivotal in the 1986 Amendments to the False Claims Act.

2008

HMTG represents and argues before the United States Supreme Court in Allison Engine Co. v. United States ex rel. Sanders. That case was ultimately settled for the highest possible Relator's share for our clients.

HMTG attorney Jim Helmer returned to testify before two Congressional Committees concerning clarification of the False Claims Act.  

Congress overwhelmingly passed the Amendments championed by Mr. Helmer and President Obama signed them into law.

2023

HMTG represented clients in two cases consolidated for argument before the United States Supreme Court--United States, et al., ex rel. Schutte, et al. s. SuperValu Inc., et al. (Case No. 21-1326) and United States, et al., ex rel. Proctor v. Safeway, Inc. (Case No. 22-111).

On June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of our clients in a landmark ruling that provided a favorable scienter (knowledge) standard for all FCA cases.

Why Choose Us?

Unparalleled Expertise

Our attorneys are pioneers in qui tam litigation.

Proven Results

We have helped whistleblowers recover millions in rewards.

Comprehensive Support

From initial filing to trial, we are with you every step of the way.

Your Protections Under the FCA

The FCA includes provisions to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. If you face workplace retaliation, we’ll fight to secure compensation and to make sure that your rights are upheld.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you take a stand against fraud.

What is Qui Tam Litigation?​