Our False Claims Act defense lawyers assist businesses nationwide of all sizes in avoiding costly mistakes when dealing with contractor fraud cases.Washington DC SBA False Claims Act defense lawyersThe Department of Justice ( DOJ), Offices of Inspector General (OIG) and various federal law enforcement agencies investigate and litigate federal False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits under 31 USC 3729 and 31 U.S.C. 3733.

The goal is to defuse and prevent attempts to defraud the federal government. The False Claims Act states that any person knowingly submitting a false claim to the government is liable for treble damages plus a penalty.

Government Contractor Federal False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Watson & Associates LLC represents a diverse government contracting clientele, including individuals and companies from various industries. As FCA fraud case attorneys, we help with investigations and cases related to fraud under the False Claims Act.

This includes accusations of breaking the law in areas like procurement and kickbacks. These cases are brought by the US government or whistleblowers. Using our lawyers’ government contracting experience, we have a good record of helping clients with FCA matters.

We offer comprehensive counsel to clients at every phase of an FCA civil proceeding. This includes the important investigation phase when the qui tam case is kept secret until the trial and appeal.

Types of FCA Defense Cases

Our team knows a lot about healthcare and government contracts law. We are also good at dealing with FCA challenges. This helps us come up with legal strategies to reduce FCA liabilities. Our defense lawyers specialize in defending False Claims Act cases, providing valuable advice throughout the investigation, litigation, and settlement process.

  • Construction
  • Healthcare and Medical
  • Engineering
  • Service Contractors
  • Manufacturers and Resellers
  • Trade Agreements Act
  • Buy American Act
  • Federal Small Business Programs
  • Kickbacks
  • TINA
  • Procurement Integrity Act
  • False Claims Act & Qui Tam Defense

False Claims and Anti-kickback Fraud Attorneys. Call Today for a Free Initial Consultation (Confidential) at 1.866.601.5518. 

Practice Group Leaders: Theodore Watson   Scott Lovelock      Wise D. Allen    Walter H Foster

What is the Federal False Claims Act?

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA), also known as the “Lincoln Law,” is a United States federal law enacted in 1863. It aims to prevent fraud against the government by imposing liability on individuals or entities that knowingly submit false claims for payment or avoid paying money owed to the government. The FCA applies to various sectors, including healthcare, defense contracting, and government programs.

The FCA includes provisions that reward whistleblowers to come forward with information about fraud by allowing them to file lawsuits on behalf of the government. Whistleblowers can get lots of money if they win qui tam lawsuits. Whistleblowers usually get a portion of the money found, which can be 15% to 30% of the total.

In addition to the qui tam provisions, the FCA allows the government to initiate its own legal action against alleged offenders. Violators of the FCA can face substantial penalties, including fines, treble damages (three times the amount of actual damages), and exclusion from future government contracts. The law also provides protection against retaliation for whistleblowers who report false claims, including reinstatement, back pay, and other compensatory damages.

The anti-kickback statute makes it illegal for any person or entity to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to influence another party’s decision on the awarding or obtaining of a contract or other business transaction from the government. This includes kickbacks, bribes, and unlawful gratuities. Violations of this law carry criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Help Responding to False Claims Act Investigations, Subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands

We understand the importance of responding accurately and timely to False Claims Act investigation subpoenas and civil investigative demands. Watson &. Associates is well-positioned to help you respond to such requests, including providing legal advice on privilege, relevance, and scope issues. As False Claims Act investigation attorneys, we can also assist with document production and witness preparation. 

We work closely with our clients to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. By collaborating with your team and utilizing our deep knowledge base in this area, we strive to provide an efficient response that achieves the best result for your business.  Our mission is to protect your interests while ensuring full compliance with False Claims Act investigation requirements.  

How Are False Claims Act Penalties Calculated?

Penalties for violating the False Claims Act can easily run into the millions.  Any government contractor that breaches the Federal False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729, and 31 U.S.C. 3733, is subject to a civil penalty in addition to three times the amount of damages. Furthermore, fines, statutory penalties, and civil penalties are other names for the penalties imposed under the FCA. The False Claims Act’s actual text also referred to sanctions as “forfeitures,” and some sources continue to use that term today.

In 2020, False Claims Act penalties were adjusted to a range of $11,665 to $23,331. FCA penalties would normally apply to each violation.  A single fraudulent scheme can involve purchase orders and invoices totaling thousands of violations (counts).  Companies seeking to hire government contractor defense attorneys who can also defend them under procurement false claims law should call Watson’s federal False Claims Act investigation attorneys. If going through the FCA process, whether it be an investigation or experiencing a criminal trial facing penalties or jail time, defense contractors and individuals are encouraged to retain False Claims Act lawyers who understand federal government contracting laws.

False Claims Act Defense Lawyers for Pharmaceutical Companies Lawyers

HealthCare Fraud Defense AttorneysAmong the most significant healthcare False Claims Act settlements have been those involving pharmaceutical companies, especially in cases related to the marketing of prescription medications. Government law enforcement is investigating the sale of drugs for uses not approved by the FDA.

While physicians are legally permitted to prescribe drugs for any use, including non-FDA-approved purposes, some pharmaceutical companies have been found guilty of illegally promoting off-label uses, often while awaiting FDA approval for these new applications.

In recent years, there have been numerous settlements regarding off-label charges under the False Claims Act. One notable case involved a major pharmaceutical company. They were fined over $1 billion, with $700 million of that amount being recovered through the False Claims Act.

In this complex legal landscape, our False Claims Act Pharmaceutical Companies Lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC play a crucial role. Our FCA fraud and Stark law attorneys specialize in navigating the intricacies of False Claims Act cases related to the pharmaceutical industry.

We offer comprehensive legal support to pharmaceutical companies facing allegations of off-label marketing and other forms of healthcare fraud. We will build a defense team specifically for your case and work 24-7 to aggressively represent your organization. Our team is adept at conducting thorough investigations, building robust defense strategies, and negotiating settlements that protect our clients’ interests.

Call us at 1.866.601.5518 and speak to Theodore Watson

How Our False Claims Act Lawyers Can Help

Watson & Associates’ Federal False Claims Act defense lawyers are experienced legal professionals who can provide valuable assistance to individuals or entities facing allegations or litigation under the False Claims Act (FCA). These lawyers know a lot about FCA cases and understand the laws and rules about government contracts and fraud.

They can offer comprehensive legal representation and strategic defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We help with False Claims Act investigations, responding to Civil Investigative Demands and subpoenas and criminal defense in even high profile cases.

Watson & Associates’ defense attorneys can thoroughly investigate the allegations and evidence presented against their clients. They will analyze the facts and review contracts, invoices, and other relevant documents to build a strong defense. They know much about the FCA and how courts and government agencies interpret it. This helps them find problems in the government’s case.

Best FCA Attorneys for Government Contractors

Watson & Associates False Claims Act defense lawyers can help clients with the legal process, protecting the rights of government contractors and explaining their choices in the process. They can negotiate with government agencies and prosecutors on behalf of their clients, aiming to reach favorable settlements or resolutions.

In the event of litigation, these anti-kickback fraud defense attorneys can provide skilled representation in court, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to defend their clients’ interests.

Their expertise in federal procurement and government contracts law positions them to challenge the government’s allegations, navigate complex legal procedures, and strive for the best possible outcome for their clients facing False Claims Act allegations.

AVOID OR REDUCE JAIL TIME - GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO START DEFENDING YOUR FALSE CLAIMS ACT CASE NOW

If you seek legal representation for a false claims case involving a federal contract, contact Watson & Associates LLC toll-free at 1.866.601.5518.