Qui Tam – False Claims

Szura & Delonis has extensive experience representing concerned citizens and whistle-blowers in cases involving fraud against the government. These matters are often brought under the federal False Claims Act and similar state statutes, which empower private individuals and companies to expose fraudulent conduct that results in the misuse of government funds. Commonly called “qui tam” cases—a shortened reference to the Latin phrase “qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso in hac parte sequitur”—these lawsuits allow a private citizen to sue on behalf of the government and share in any monetary recovery. In essence, they reward those with the courage to come forward when others attempt to profit unfairly at the public’s expense.

False Claims Act cases often uncover significant fraud in federally funded programs, particularly in the healthcare sector. Szura & Delonis has represented whistle-blowers in matters involving Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud, kickback schemes, upcoding, and the submission of false certifications for payment. These cases frequently arise when insiders—such as billing specialists, nurses, administrators, or even competitors—discover that a company is knowingly violating state or federal regulations to obtain an illegal financial or competitive advantage. Because these matters involve complex healthcare regulatory frameworks, our attorneys leverage their deep understanding of federal and Michigan health laws to build strong, evidence-based cases.

When a whistle-blower, known as the “Relator,” brings a qui tam complaint, the case is first filed under seal to allow the government—usually the Department of Justice or the state attorney general’s office—to investigate the claims. During this period, Szura & Delonis works closely with agencies and investigators to ensure that evidence is properly documented and the Relator’s rights are protected. If the government intervenes and the case succeeds, the Relator is typically entitled to a percentage of the recovery, which can be substantial in some cases. Even if the government declines intervention, Szura & Delonis has the litigation experience to continue fighting on behalf of whistle-blowers.

Our attorneys have successfully represented Relators in a variety of False Claims Act cases across the country, including complex healthcare fraud matters resulting in multi-million dollar recoveries. We understand the personal and professional risks whistle-blowers face when exposing wrongdoing, and we are committed to guiding them through each stage—from initial evaluation and filing to investigation and resolution. Our firm’s work in this area reflects our commitment to integrity, accountability, and the protection of taxpayer dollars.

If you believe you have knowledge of fraud against the government, Szura & Delonis can help you evaluate your claims confidentially and determine whether a False Claims Act action may be appropriate. Our goal is to help whistle-blowers do the right thing—with the legal knowledge, discretion, and advocacy such cases demand.