Speaking up about fraud, misconduct, or illegal activity at work is never simple. Many whistleblowers worry about retaliation, damaged careers, or being pushed out of their jobs entirely. At the same time, reporting false claims and government fraud helps protect public funds and holds wrongdoers accountable.
Lebau & Neuworth represents whistleblowers throughout Maryland who are prepared to take that step but want experienced legal guidance behind them. Our attorneys have handled a wide range of whistleblower and False Claims Act matters and understand the pressures that come with these cases. We take the time to investigate claims carefully, protect our clients throughout the process, and pursue recoveries where fraud has occurred.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for whistleblowers. Just as important, we work closely with our clients to help reduce the risk of retaliation and guide them through each stage of the case with clarity and focus.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
False Claims and Whistleblower Laws in Maryland
False claims cases often involve fraud directed at state or federal government programs. In Maryland, both state and federal laws give whistleblowers the ability to report misconduct while offering financial incentives and legal protections.
Maryland False Claims Act
The Maryland False Claims Act allows private individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the state when government funds are obtained through fraud. These cases are often brought as qui tam actions, meaning the whistleblower steps into the state’s shoes to pursue the claim. If the case results in a recovery, the whistleblower may receive a percentage of the funds collected.
This law is commonly used in cases involving healthcare billing fraud, government contracts, and misuse of state funds.
Maryland Whistleblower Protection Law
Maryland law also protects employees who report violations of state or federal law to a public body. These protections apply when an employer responds to a report with termination, demotion, pay cuts, or other forms of workplace punishment. When retaliation occurs, legal action may be available to recover lost wages and other damages.
Federal Whistleblower Laws That May Apply
Many Maryland whistleblower cases also fall under federal law, particularly when federal funding or national programs are involved. Several federal statutes offer both protection and financial recovery options.
Federal whistleblower laws commonly used in Maryland cases include:
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Federal False Claims Act – Allows whistleblowers to report fraud against the federal government and share in recoveries
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Whistleblower Protection Act – Applies to federal employees who report waste, fraud, or abuse
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Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Protects employees of publicly traded companies who report financial misconduct
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Dodd-Frank Act – Provides incentives and protections for reporting securities violations
These laws often overlap, and determining which statutes apply requires careful legal analysis early in the process.
How a Maryland Whistleblower Lawyer Helps Protect Your Case
False claims and whistleblower matters move differently than standard employment disputes. Timing, confidentiality, and documentation all play a major role in how a case unfolds. Early legal guidance can shape the outcome long before a claim becomes public. At Lebau & Neuworth, our whistleblower attorneys help clients by:
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Reviewing the facts to determine which state or federal laws apply
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Investigating the conduct and gathering supporting evidence
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Preparing and filing qui tam or retaliation claims properly
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Communicating with government agencies when required
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Responding to employer retaliation or threats
Because these cases often involve lengthy investigations, we stay engaged and proactive at every stage rather than treating them as one-time filings.
Industries Commonly Involved in False Claims Cases
Whistleblower claims arise across many industries, particularly where public funding or regulatory oversight is involved. Our firm represents clients in cases involving:
Healthcare billing and reimbursement fraud, including false Medicare or Medicaid claims
Government contract fraud involving overbilling or failure to meet contract terms
Securities and financial reporting violations
Defense and infrastructure contracting
Corporate accounting misconduct
No matter the industry, our focus remains the same: protecting the whistleblower and pursuing accountability.
Maryland Wage and Hour Laws and False Claims Violations
Some whistleblower cases involve wage-related misconduct tied to government contracts or public funding. Maryland law provides additional tools for addressing these issues.
Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law
The Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law requires employers to pay earned wages on time and limits unauthorized deductions. In certain situations, violations of this law can overlap with false claims, particularly when employers submit payroll certifications tied to government contracts or publicly funded projects.
This law may also apply when employers fail to make required contributions to retirement or benefit plans that are treated as wages under Maryland law. When wage violations intersect with government reporting or funding requirements, whistleblowers may have claims under both wage laws and false claims statutes.
Retaliation Risks and Legal Protection for Whistleblowers
Retaliation remains one of the biggest concerns for employees considering a whistleblower claim. Employers may respond with discipline, termination, isolation, or changes in job duties. Both Maryland and federal laws prohibit these actions when they are tied to protected reporting.
If retaliation occurs, whistleblowers may pursue compensation for lost income, emotional harm, and other damages. Addressing retaliation quickly can help preserve evidence and limit further harm.
Why Whistleblowers Across Maryland Choose Lebau & Neuworth
Lebau & Neuworth has built a focused practice representing whistleblowers and employees in complex litigation. Our attorneys maintain working relationships with government agencies and understand how these cases are evaluated behind the scenes.
We devote significant time and resources to each whistleblower matter we accept. That focus allows us to prepare cases thoroughly while keeping our clients informed and supported throughout the process.
Speak With Lebau & Neuworth About a Whistleblower Claim
If you have information about fraud, false claims, or workplace retaliation, the experienced team at Lebau & Neuworth is ready to evaluate your situation. Our Maryland office offers confidential consultations and clear guidance on how whistleblower laws apply to your case.
Contact Lebau & Neuworth today to discuss your whistleblower or False Claims Act matter and learn how we can protect your interests.
