False Claims Act Lawyer & Whistleblower Defense

Nationwide Federal False Claims Act Lawyers and FCA Whistleblow Defense Attorneys for Government Contract Fraud and Healthcare Fraud Cases.

Experienced Nationwide False Claims Act lawyer for healthcare providers and government contractors. If You Did Not Intend to Defraud the Government, We Can Help.

• We Help You Avoid Jail Time, Civil and Criminal Liability and Minimize Costly Legal Mistakes.
• If you make an honest mistake, the law does not punish you under the FCA

Defending Your Case Can Be Simpler Than Many May Think

The government will normally Use the Supreme Court Case of Universal Health Servs.. lnc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar,579 U.S. 176, 180 (2016) to support its allegations of you violating the False Claims Act. Litigation against the federal government in both criminal and civil False Claims Act cases can be very expensive and difficult. The government uses Universal Health Servs.. lnc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar to leverage its allegations that under 3 l U.S.C. § 3729, it has met the FCA’s scienter (knowledge) requirement to argue that by merely submitting or signing a document you automatically show a “reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

At Watson & Associates, LLC our Federal False Claims Act defense attorneys understand that you knowingly intended to commit fraud, and the scienter element of the False Claims Act is one of the most difficult for the government’s prosecutor to prove. We aggressively represent you and focus on deconstructing the government’s case against you. Call our office immediately to secure aggressive legal representation and defense. 

Call 1.866.601.6618 and Speak to Mr. Watson 

Protecting Your Reputation and Practice: Expert False Claims Act Defense

If you are facing allegations under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA), you will experience stress, and uncertainty, and become overwhelmed. The consequences of FCA investigations can be devastating, including steep financial penalties, criminal charges, and damage to your professional reputation.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, we specialize in defending CEOs, small businesses, and large corporations accused of violating the FCA. Our experienced Federal False Claims Act defense attorneys bring decades of legal expertise to clients involved in government contracting, healthcare and PPP areas (limited types of cases). The law firm takes a client-centered approach to protect your rights and safeguard your future.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

Were you raided with a search warrant – was it valid? Find out more. 

What is the False Claims Act? How Our Defense Strategies Provide Peace of Mind During FCA Investigations

Watson’s civil False Claims Act lawyer and legal attorneys represent defense contractors and healthcare professionals nationwide: The Civil False Claims Act, 31 USC sec. 3729-3733 protects the Federal Government from being overcharged by contractors or being invoiced for fraudulent goods or services.

It is unlawful, for example, in the medical field to submit claims for payment to Medicare or Medicaid that the submitter knows are false or fraudulent. Filing false claims may result in FCA fines of up to three times the program’s loss plus $11,000 per claim filed.

The FCA targets any person or company that does business with the federal government. Once the U.S. directly or indirectly pays for the service or product, the company or individual is subject to civil and/or criminal liability. If the company or individual knowingly submits or causes to be submitted invoices or other methods for payment or benefit, the company or individual is subject to the penalties of the FCA. 

Under the Civil False Claims Act, each instance of an item or a service billed to Medicare or Medicaid counts as a claim. The fact that a claim results from a kickback to someone in violation of the Stark law also may make the claim false. Under the civil FCA, no specific intent to defraud is required.

The Civil FCA defines “knowing” to include actual knowledge and instances in which the person acted in deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

Envision a Future Free from Legal Worries: Overcome FCA Allegations

• Treble Damages: Up to three times the government’s financial loss.

• Per-Claim Fines: Significant penalties for each false claim submitted.

• Criminal Charges: Cases involving intentional fraud can escalate to federal criminal prosecution.

The High Stakes of Inaction: Risks of Not Securing Expert FCA Defense

Either actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or recklessness will suffice for the government to win its case against you. Our Civil and Criminal Federal Claims Act defense attorneys help you to develop evidence to the contrary.

Nationwide Antikickback/ false claims act lawyer: The Court starts with the text of the FCA. See Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, 579 U. S. 176, 187 (2016). The FCA defines the term “knowingly” as encompassing three mental states: First, you have “ actual knowledge of the information,” See 31 USC §3729(b)(1)(A)(i). Second, that you “act in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information,” 31 USC 3729(b)(1)(A)(ii). And third, that you “act in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.”

Get Critical Information About the False Claims Act

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

Who We Are: Watson & Associates, LLC

Hire a False Claims Act lawyer With over 30 years of combined legal experience, Watson & Associates, LLC is a trusted leader in federal False Claims Statute defense and federal regulatory compliance. The law firm represents federal government contractors and healthcare companies in federal civil and criminal cases across the country, providing strategic legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances.

As federal contractor False Claims Act violation defense law firm, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in this sector. Whether you are a government contractor, healthcare provider, or professional in another regulated industry facing criminal charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI or OIG , our team of FCA litigators has the experience and knowledge to guide you through complex False Claims Act Whistleblower defense litigation.

Our Advantages:

• Deep industry knowledge in government contracting, SBA, and healthcare regulations.

• A deep bench of experience to help you defend against federal whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuits.

• Nationwide representation and ability to litigate in federal courts.

• A proven record of minimizing liability, reducing penalties, and resolving cases efficiently.

Hire a False Claims Act defense lawyer now. Call 1.866.601.5518.

Who Are Our Clients?

We represent clients that include:

Federal Criminal False Claims Act Penalty (18 USC 287).

We provide robust legal defense against Medicare fraud allegations under the False Claims Act, ensuring your rights are protected. Under the federal Criminal False Claims Statute 18 USC 287, include imprisonment and criminal fines.   When it comes to the penalty for violating the criminal False Claims Act, Physicians have gone to prison for submitting false health care claims. OIG also may impose administrative, civil monetary penalties for false or fraudulent claims, as discussed below.

What Makes Watson & Associates False Claims Act Lawyers Different?

At Watson & Associates, LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Here’s why clients choose our False Claims Act lawyers to help them:

1. Nationwide Coverage: We provide defense in federal civil and criminal False Claims Act Whistleblower cases across the United States.

2. Straight Talk: With decades of experience in federal courts, we give you straight talk so you can make informed decisions. We also don’t bring in clients that we do not think we can get a positive result for ( there is no guarantee of outcomes from us) No FCA lawyer can guarantee outcomes. As False Claims Act Whistleblower defense attorneys, we come up with a plan of action that our clients are aware of.  

3. Strategic Defense: We immediately craft a tailored legal strategy to defend your case. The law firm focuses on minimizing penalties and resolving cases efficiently.

4. Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize discretion, transparency, and client communication to ensure a smooth and informed defense process.

Common Consequences of False Claims Act Civil and Criminal Allegations

Federal False Claims Act investigations carry significant risks, including:

• Financial Penalties: Treble damages and expensive civil per-claim fines can cripple your business.

• Serious Criminal Charges: Intentional violations may lead to prison sentences. ( we know that federal prosecutors usually have a hard time proving intent to defraud)

• Reputational Damage: Allegations, even unproven, can harm careers and business relationships.

• Federal Suspension or Debarment: Contractors may be disqualified from future government work.

Nationwide Criminal and Civil False Claims Act Law Firm: General Legal Standard In FCA Cases

• Honest Mistakes, Inadvertence, and Mere Negligence Do Not Result in FCA Liability
• Opinions Regarding Conclusions of Law or Factual Adherence to Legal Standards Do Not Result in FCA Scienter
• Objective Ambiguity Without Subjective Knowledge Likely Does Not Result in Reckless Disregard or Deliberate Ignorance

In FCA cases, courts should look at whether you, the Defendant, knew the claim was false. If you correctly interpreted the relevant phrase and actually believed that your claims were false, then a court could rule against you.  Looking for the best health care False Claims Act lawyer for healthcare fraud? Our healthcare Criminal and Civil false claims act attorneys look for evidence in your favor.

• Government Contract Fraud
• Healthcare fraud False Claims Act defense
• Trade Agreements Act False Claims cases
• Buy American Act False Claims
• Cost accounting
• Inflated Costs
• Overpayment and overbilling
• Product substitution
• Unnecessary treatment
• Fraudulent billing

See Critical Information About Choosing Litigation Over Settlement in a Federal False Claims Act Case 

False Claims Act Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Should I Do If I Receive a Subpoena or Civil Investigative Demand?

Contact an experienced False Claims Act defense attorney immediately. Providing documents or making statements without legal counsel can put you at greater risk.

2. Can Honest Mistakes Lead to FCA Penalties?

Yes, under the FCA, liability extends to “reckless disregard” or “deliberate ignorance.” However, strong legal defense strategies is when we show o  demonstrate lack of intent or compliance with applicable regulations.

3. How Can Watson & Associates Help My Business?

We provide strategic, industry-specific defense that protects your business operations, reputation, and future. Our team focuses on getting results but without taking shortcuts.

Need a Federal Whistleblower Defense Attorney? Take the First Step Today

When you are facing False Claims Act Whistleblower allegations, the right legal representation can make all the difference. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we are committed to defending your rights, protecting your reputation, and resolving your case efficiently. We aggressively approach False Claims Act defense cases.  Our legal team is ready to provide the support you need.

If you received a target letter or subpoena from the OIG, HHS, OIG or FBI, call our Healthcare fraud defense and government contractor whistleblower defense attorneys at 1.866.601.5518 today. 

Speak to Lead Counsel and US Supreme Court Lawyer: Government Contractor False Claims Act lawyer and healthcare legal attorney Theodore Watson. 

Free Attorney Consultation – How We Can Help You Defend Your False Claims Act Case?

Two essential elements of an FCA violation are (1) the falsity of the claim and (2) the defendant’s knowledge of the claim’s falsity. See U.S. ex rel. Schutte v. SuperValu Inc. The government prosecutors will have to show that you have the scienter required by the FCA and that you correctly understood that standard and thought that your submitted claims were inaccurate. You must know your claim to be false.

Our job as a federal False Claims Act law firm is to show that you did not. This is especially true in allegations that you overcharged Medicare and Medicaid programs when seeking reimbursement for prescription drugs. Call us today to get a free attorney consultation. 1.866.601.5518.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

Contact Our False Claims Act Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

If you are facing federal investigations or have concerns about potential FCA whistleblower liability or looking for healthcare criminal defense lawyers, do not hesitate to call experienced government contractor civil and criminal False Claims Act lawyers. We are prepared to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of False Claims Act litigation and protect your business interests. Call 1.866.601.5518 for a Free Initial Consultation. Speak to Theodore Watson, Lead FCA Whistleblower defense lawyer.