Where Can I Find Whistleblower Attorneys in Big Pine Key, Florida?

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in holding businesses, industries, and government agencies accountable by drawing attention to instances of misconduct and fraud. As a reward, the government offers incentives and awards to whistleblowers who step forward and share information about any wrongdoing.

If you have knowledge and credible information about a corporation, entity, or person defrauding the federal government, you could receive considerable financial awards for coming forward. We understand that the decision to blow the whistle on an employer, business associate, or company can be agonizing, especially if you fear retaliation. However, whistleblowers are protected by law, and our Big Pine Key whistleblower attorneys will do everything possible to protect your privacy and security. 

Contact Morgan & Morgan today and let us assess your whistleblower claim in a free case review.

What Is a Whistleblower?

Anyone can potentially become a whistleblower. Typically, whistleblowers work in the corporations or public agencies where the wrongdoing occurs. Their role in holding organizations accountable is crucial as whistleblowers have an insider opportunity to access information that is generally unavailable to those who do not work in the organization. However, not all whistleblowers are insiders. The main purpose of a whistleblower is to expose misconduct that may go undetected otherwise, such as:

• Violations of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Gross mismanagement
• Abuse of authority
• Misappropriation of funds
• Dangers to public health and safety 

The Law Protects Whistleblowers 

It is important to note that whistleblowers are protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). The Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation by an employer or organization, such as:

• Termination
• Demotion
• Denying a promotion
• Denying overtime
• Reduction of hours or pay 

Examples of Whistleblower Cases

Whistleblowing can include reporting criminal activity, unethical workplace practices, and other activities. Examples of wrongful conduct reported by employees include: 

Fraud and Corruption

Corruption can cover many types of wrongful conduct, including bribery, fraud, kickbacks, and others. Fraud can occur in most spheres of life, including businesses, government, and the education and health sectors. 

Healthcare Fraud

Many whistleblower cases involve health care fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid or pharmaceutical companies. Instances of corruption and fraud in the healthcare sector include:

• Over-billing
• Price-fixing
• Charging for services not performed
• Submitting false claims to government healthcare payers
• Inappropriately transferring patients to maximize billing (DRG fraud)
• Off-label marketing of prescription drugs

Healthcare fraud costs the government millions of dollars every year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimate that improper Medicaid and Medicare payments alone cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually. 

Financial Industry Fraud

Financial industry fraud can include various instances of wrongdoing. Whistleblowers play an essential role in reporting and exposing violations of the laws and regulations that regulate the financial field. Under the False Claims Act, the government incentivizes whistleblowers who report financial fraud. Examples of financial industry misconduct include:

• Money laundering
• Tax fraud
• Trading violations and market manipulation
• Fraud and misconduct by financial services professionals
• Insider trading
• Misappropriation of funds such as Ponzi schemes
• Fraud involving government programs or government entities
• Illegal kickbacks

Discrimination and Harassment

Whistleblowers can draw attention to unlawful discrimination in corporations or government agencies. If employees are treated differently due to their race, national origin, disability, age, color, or immigrant status, an employer acts unlawfully and could be held accountable in court. 

Workers are entitled to a safe work environment. Therefore, various federal and state laws protect employees from toxic work environments and harassment. However, cases of sexual harassment, in particular, often go unreported. Regulations are either ignored or under-enforced. Whistleblowers can help to uncover systemic harassment in private and public workplaces.

Awards and Incentives for Successful Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers who uncover fraud or any other misconduct could qualify for an award if they voluntarily provided the government with information that contributed to successful enforcement. Depending on the details of the case, whistleblower awards can be substantial. In the first half of 2022 alone, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has awarded millions of dollars to whistleblowers. Whistleblowers looking to maximize an award should consult with an experienced attorney before taking steps to disclose their findings. 

What to Look for in a Whistleblower Attorney

Choosing the best whistleblower attorney in Big Pine Key, FL, can be critical for your case. Some tips to consider when looking for a whistleblower lawyer include: 

Area of Expertise

Some law firms mention whistleblower claims on their websites. However, when you start to dig deeper, you may discover that the firm may not have any specialized whistleblower attorneys. Whistleblower laws, such as the False Claims Act, are complex. This is not a field that an attorney can successfully “dabble” in. A small mistake or misinterpretation of the law could sink your case.

Experience With Whistleblower Cases 

The lawyer you choose should be well-acquainted with whistleblower laws and have years of experience in handling such claims. When meeting the attorney for the first time, ask to see examples of whistleblower lawsuits they handled successfully. 

Knowledge of the Relevant Agencies

An experienced whistleblower attorney should have experience working with the relevant government agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and others. In many whistleblower claims, participation of the relevant government agency is essential for success and may be required. The best whistleblower attorneys know how to persuade the government to join a case and investigate misconduct.

Resources and Reputation 

Whistleblower cases usually require considerable resources as they can be complex, lengthy, and expensive to litigate. While the size of a law firm is not always an indicator of success, a large firm with a great reputation, several specialized attorneys, and considerable financial resources can have an advantage in whistleblower cases. The out-of-pocket expenses for a whistleblower claim can quickly spiral as several expert witnesses may be required to give evidence in support of a claim. 

As one of the largest law firms in the country, Morgan & Morgan has the specialists and financial resources to handle whistleblower claims effectively.

Finding a Whistleblower Attorney in Big Pine Key, FL 

Before deciding on an attorney to represent you in a whistleblower claim, consider their reputation, experience, and client service. You can review attorney’s ratings, credentials, peer reviews, and client reviews online on websites such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell. 

Next, schedule free consultations with some whistleblower attorneys to determine if they are a good fit. Most first consultations are free and allow you to ask questions about your potential case and get to know your potential attorney and law firm. At the first meeting, your attorney or legal team can already assess the viability of your case and help determine your next best steps. 

Questions for the First Meeting 

While you may have your own questions and concerns when meeting an attorney for the first time, here are some good general questions to ask: 

• Do you think I have a whistleblower case? 
• How many whistleblower cases have you handled?
• Do I have to pay any fees or legal expenses out of my own pocket?
• Who in your office will handle my case?
• How much involvement do you expect from me during litigation?

You could also bring any documents or other evidence you collected for the wrongful conduct leading to your whistleblower claim.  

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Our whistleblower practice includes a team of specialized and experienced attorneys that can handle qui tam and other whistleblower cases expertly. We can draw on professional investigators, some of whom have formerly worked for the FBI, who can analyze whistleblower claims effectively and thoroughly. Smaller law firms typically lack adequate resources for handling whistleblower claims and can run out of steam during a lengthy and complex lawsuit. Not Morgan & Morgan. We have the resources to cover all out-of-pocket expenses associated with a whistleblower suit and fight even tough cases, no matter how long they may take.  

Cases We Handle

Our attorneys have substantial experience in False Claims Act qui tam litigation involving defense contractor fraud, healthcare fraud, and other forms of misconduct. Our lawyers and professional staff have helped recover several billion dollars lost due to government fraud. 

What We Do

Whistleblower claims are complex and have unique legal requirements. Our attorneys can:

• Evaluate your claim
• Help you file a lawsuit or submit information under the relevant whistleblower program
• Convince the government to join in the lawsuit
• Accompany you to meetings with government agencies
• Fight for the maximum whistleblower award
• Protect you from retaliation by an employer

A seasoned whistleblower attorney in Big Pine Key, FL, can help you navigate the legal process when exposing wrongdoing by a corporation or public entity. In the first instance, our attorneys will evaluate the strength of your claim to discover whether we can move forward and file a lawsuit. We work with whistleblowers every day and take your security and privacy seriously.