Columbus False Claims Act/Whistleblower Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Columbus False Claims Act Whistleblower Attorney?

It takes courage to report a crime, especially when the guilty party is your boss, associate, or employer. But you don’t have to do it on your own. The experienced Georgia whistleblower lawyers at Butler Prather LLP can assist you with your qui tam tort filing in Columbus and take legal steps to protect you from retaliation.

The False Claims Act (FCA) allows people who have personally witnessed fraudulent acts against the government to report these crimes without fear of retaliation. Under FCA, citizens who report fraud have a right to collect a percentage of the damages the government recovers.

It’s time to speak with an attorney if you’re asking yourself the following types of questions:

• Do I have protection from retaliation?
• Can I remain anonymous?
• Will I face backlash for reporting fraud?

Why Choose Us Over Other False Claims Act Whistleblower Attorneys in Columbus?

When you're considering legal representation for a high-stakes whistleblower claim, experience and results matter. Here’s what sets Butler Prather LLP apart:

• Over 35 years of legal advocacy for individuals and families across Georgia
• More than $349 million recovered for clients in class action and FCA-related matters
• Ten verdicts exceeding $100 million each
• Recognized nationwide for complex litigation against major corporations
• Both partners recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2019
• Featured in the Atlanta Bar Association’s Legends of the Bar Series
• Proven success in False Claims Act litigation involving fraud in healthcare, defense contracts, environmental claims, and more
• Trusted to lead major national class actions with government interests at stake

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

At Butler Prather LLP, we understand the weight of stepping forward as a whistleblower. That's why we are committed to supporting and protecting you every step of the way.

If you're considering a False Claims Act case, or if you have questions about your legal options, reach out to us today by calling (706) 322-1990 for a free confidential consultation.

What Is the False Claims Act?

When someone steals money from the government, they are harming everyone. That money was allocated to address the specific needs of our citizens, such as building roads and highways, defending our nation, and providing medical care for senior citizens.

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal statute that’s designed to recover funds and penalize people who knowingly defraud the federal government of material resources or knowingly attempt to defraud the federal government of material resources.

FCA penalties are severe. They include three times the amount of the government’s damages and fines up to $27,018 for each offense. The FCA allows private whistleblowers who have first-hand knowledge of these crimes to report them to the attorney general. These lawsuits are referred to as qui tam torts, and the person who files one may be eligible to receive a portion of the government’s recovery.

In a recent year, the federal government collected over $2.2 billion in damages based on claims filed under the FCA. The State of Georgia has its own False Claims Act that applies specifically to Medicaid fraud. Georgia also has a law known as the Taxpayer Protection Act, which covers acts of fraud committed against the state. Like the FCA, these two laws provide whistleblower protection and allow for qui tam filing.

Examples of Qui Tam Cases Handled by FCA Whistleblower Attorneys

Procurement fraud frequently involves kickbacks or collusion. A kickback is an illegal gift or payment made to someone in return for preferential treatment in a government bidding process or goods or services that are legitimately received. Collusion is the secret cooperation of two or more parties to limit open competition, such as when suppliers secretly agree not to bid below a certain amount for a government contract.

• Substituting a substandard product for the one that was originally sold to the government.
• Charging more than once for the same product or service.
• Ordering medical tests under Medicaid that the patient does not receive or does not require.
• Providing kickbacks to government officials in exchange for government contracts.
• Selling the government stolen, expired, fraudulent, or counterfeit goods.
• Bid rigging: when a higher bid is accepted in exchange for a kickback.
• Misrepresenting costs during a negotiation.
• Overcharging for labor and pocketing the difference.
• Selling the government a product that fails when used.
• False certification of goods.
• Approving inflated invoices.
• Establishing fake suppliers or dummy accounts to hide your interests.
• Improper testing or when products are not tested per requirements.
• Price fixing among contractors.
• Charging the government for goods or services that are never received.

How a False Claims Act Whistleblower Attorney Can Help

Filing a qui tam lawsuit isn’t just a matter of filling out a few forms. The process involves federal court filings, evidence submission under seal, and coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice. A qualified attorney can:

• Assess the strength of your claim and help you determine if the fraudulent behavior qualifies under the FCA
• Gather and preserve documentation of the fraudulent conduct without breaching confidentiality agreements
• File your case confidentially under seal, giving the government time to investigate
• Negotiate with the DOJ if the government decides to intervene in your case
• Advocate for your share of the recovery—typically 15% to 30% of the government’s total recovery
• Shield you from retaliation, ensuring you receive the full protection of the FCA

Your Courage Deserves Support

The False Claims Act was designed to encourage and protect whistleblowers. But without skilled legal representation, those protections may not be enough. At Butler Prather LLP, we make sure your rights are fully enforced from start to finish.

Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

What's the Legal Process for Filing a False Claims Act Whistleblower Claim?

If you have direct knowledge that someone is defrauding the federal government, you can file a claim with the Attorney General of the United States. The Justice Department will investigate the fraud and decide if they want to move forward with the case. If the government decides to prosecute the case and you are the first person to bring a qui tam tort for this matter, you may be eligible to receive between 15 and 20 percent of the government’s damages.

If the government decides not to pursue the case, you may choose to proceed on your own, but you would be responsible for the cost of prosecution. In these cases, the person who files the qui tam tort is eligible to receive between 25 and 30 percent of the government’s damages.

Investigation & Documentation

Your attorney will work with you to gather and secure all evidence of the fraudulent conduct. This includes emails, invoices, internal reports, and witness accounts.

Filing the Complaint Under Seal

The complaint is filed in federal court under seal, meaning it is not public and the defendant is not immediately notified. This gives the government time to investigate.

Submission to the Department of Justice

Along with the sealed complaint, your attorney submits a detailed “disclosure statement” to the DOJ. This outlines all known evidence supporting the claim.

Government Investigation

The DOJ may take several months (or longer) to investigate. During this time, they may interview witnesses, review documents, or request additional information from your legal team.

Government Decision to Intervene

The government may:

• Intervene and take over the case
• Decline to intervene and allow you to proceed independently
• Seek dismissal

Litigation or Settlement

If the case proceeds, it can result in a negotiated settlement or go to trial. Whistleblowers typically receive between 15% and 30% of the total amount recovered by the government.

At every stage, Butler Prather LLP will advocate for your interests, ensuring you’re protected, informed, and positioned for the best possible outcome.

Speak With an Experienced FCA Whistleblower Attorney Today

For decades our Columbus attorneys at Butler Prather LLP have been fighting for justice. In that time, our firm has taken on some of the most powerful interests in the nation, and we’ve come out on top time and again.

Call (706) 322-1990 to find out more.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

They are simply the best -Remy Thomason (5-Star Google Review)

I cannot say enough good things about Butler Prather LLP. From the moment I contacted them, I was treated with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Their team of attorneys is incredibly knowledgeable, strategic, and tireless in their pursuit of justice. If you’re looking for a law firm that will fight for you with integrity and excellence, look no further than Butler Prather LLP. They are simply the best.

I highly recommend them without hesitation - Daniel Merck (5-Star Google Review)

From start to finish, my experience with Butler Prather LLP] has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff is truly amazing – every individual I encountered was professional, courteous, and incredibly hard working. It's rare to find a team so dedicated to not only achieving the best possible outcomes but also making their clients feel genuinely supported throughout the entire process.

What stood out most to me was their unwavering professionalism. Every detail was handled with care, and communication was always timely and clear. It gave me peace of mind knowing that I had such a knowledgeable and responsive team in my corner.

More than just their legal expertise, it was the people that made the experience so memorable. They listened, showed empathy, and went above and beyond to ensure I felt confident and informed at every step.

If you’re looking for a law firm that combines skill, professionalism, and a truly compassionate team, look no further. I highly recommend them without hesitation.

FCA Whistleblower FAQs

What is the False Claims Act?

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that allows individuals to report fraud committed against the government. It includes provisions that let private citizens, called “relators,” file qui tam lawsuits and potentially receive a portion of any recovered funds.

What qualifies as fraud under the FCA?

Fraud can include overbilling, double billing, billing for services not rendered, misuse of government grant money, false certifications for contracts, and other attempts to obtain funds dishonestly from federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or military contracts.

Who can file a False Claims Act whistleblower lawsuit?

Almost anyone with credible, non-public knowledge of fraud against the federal government can file a claim, including employees, contractors, competitors, or auditors. You don’t have to be directly involved to be eligible.

Can I remain anonymous if I file a whistleblower claim?

Initially, yes. FCA claims are filed under seal, meaning they are kept confidential while the government investigates. Eventually, your name may be revealed if the case moves forward, but our team works to protect your privacy and safety as much as possible.

What kind of compensation can I receive as a whistleblower?

If the government recovers funds through your claim, you may be entitled to between 15% and 30% of the total recovery, depending on whether the government joins your case and other factors.

What happens after I file a qui tam lawsuit?

Once filed under seal, the case is sent to the Department of Justice for review. They may choose to intervene (take over the case), decline and let you proceed, or seek dismissal. If they intervene, it often results in higher recovery amounts and added legal weight behind the case.

Can I be fired or punished for being a whistleblower?

It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a False Claims Act complaint. This includes firing, demotion, harassment, or discrimination. If you’ve already faced retaliation, you may be entitled to additional legal remedies, including reinstatement, back pay, and damages.

Meet Our Attorneys

James E. Butler Jr.

James E. Butler Jr. has been recognized as one of Georgia’s most formidable trial attorneys. As founding partner of Butler Prather LLP, Mr. Butler has built a national reputation for securing some of the largest jury verdicts in U.S. history, including multiple nine-figure results in cases involving product liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death.

James Butler has successfully tried cases in more than 30 states. He has served as lead counsel in high-profile litigation against major automakers, manufacturers, and Fortune 500 companies. His courtroom record includes ten verdicts exceeding $100 million and a pivotal role in securing over $349 million in False Claims Act and class action settlements.

Ramsey B. Prather

Ramsey B. Prather is a seasoned trial attorney and partner at Butler Prather LLP, where he represents clients in high-stakes cases involving product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and whistleblower actions under the False Claims Act. Ramsey is known for his strategic litigation approach and meticulous preparation, both of which have contributed to the firm's national reputation for groundbreaking verdicts and settlements.

Since joining Butler Prather LLP, Mr. Prather has played a leading role in complex cases that have resulted in record-setting recoveries. He works closely with clients, experts, and co-counsel to build compelling, trial-ready cases that hold powerful entities accountable.

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Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902

Additional Information

• How to File a False Claims Act Lawsuit in Georgia (Step-by-Step)
• Recent Georgia Whistleblower Cases: What Employers Don’t Want You to Know
• Whistleblower Protections Under the False Claims Act: A Georgia Guide
• What Types of Wrongdoing Can a Whistleblower Report?
• 5 Steps To Take as You Prepare To Become a Whistleblower