When you witness fraud or misconduct in the workplace, speaking up can be a daunting but crucial step. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing and protecting the public interest. Whistleblowing can also come with significant personal and professional risks.
Having represented a number of whistleblowers over the years, Lebau & Neuworth’s attorneys are skilled at investigating and developing the facts necessary for a client to retain a successful action. Because of our highly focused practice, we can devote significant resources and time to each whistleblowing case we accept. Our firm maintains good communications with many U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, all of whom can provide significant support to a whistleblowing case.
We have recovered millions of dollars in recoveries for our whistleblowing clients. What’s more, we not only obtain significant recoveries, we also guide and protect our clients through the legal process and ensure that they are not retaliated against.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
Understanding False Claims & Whistleblowing in Maryland
False claims and whistleblowing cases often involve reporting fraud against the government or other illegal activities within an organization. In Maryland, key laws protecting whistleblowers include:
Maryland False Claims Act: This law allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the state against those who defraud the government. Whistleblowers who successfully bring a case under this act can receive a portion of the recovered funds.
Maryland Whistleblower Protection Law: This law protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of state or federal law, rule, or regulation to a public body.
Federal Whistleblower Laws
Beyond state-level safeguards, federal laws exist to protect the individuals who report fraud, waste, and abuse, ensuring accountability and transparency. In addition to Maryland's laws, several federal laws protect whistleblowers, including:
- False Claims Act (FCA): This federal law allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the federal government against those who defraud the government. Whistleblowers who successfully bring a case under the FCA can receive a portion of the recovered funds.
- Whistleblower Protection Act: This law protects federal employees from retaliation for disclosing information about government waste, fraud, or abuse.
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act: This law protects employees of publicly traded companies from retaliation for reporting financial wrongdoing.
- Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: This law provides financial incentives and protection for whistleblowers who report violations of securities laws.
These federal protections create a strong legal support system for whistleblowers, further encouraging the exposure of wrongdoing while fostering a culture of accountability.
How An Attorney Can Help
Navigating the complexities of false claims and whistleblowing cases can be challenging. These cases often involve complex legal issues, extensive investigation, and potential retaliation from employers. Our false claims and whistleblowing lawyers in Baltimore can help you:
- Understand Your Rights: We explain your rights and protections under state and federal whistleblower laws.
- Investigate Your Case: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence and build a strong case.
- File Your Claim: We assist you in filing your claim with the appropriate authorities.
- Negotiate with Employers: We negotiate with employers to resolve your case and secure a favorable outcome.
- Litigate Your Case: We represent you in court if necessary to protect your rights and obtain compensation.
Ultimately, an experienced attorney’s guidance is crucial in safeguarding whistleblowers, allowing them to expose wrongdoing without fear and pursue rightful compensation.
Lebau & Neuworth: Your Baltimore False Claims & Whistleblowing Advocate
Exposing fraud and misconduct is crucial for protecting public resources and ensuring ethical conduct. Lebau & Neuworth stands as a fierce advocate for whistleblowers in Baltimore. Our false claims and whistleblowing lawyers in Baltimore have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of whistleblower cases, including:
- Healthcare Fraud: We represent whistleblowers who report fraud in the healthcare industry, such as billing for services not rendered or providing unnecessary services.
- Securities Fraud: We represent whistleblowers who report violations of securities laws, such as insider trading or accounting fraud.
- Government Contract Fraud: We represent whistleblowers who report fraud in government contracts, such as overbilling or providing substandard goods or services.
- Qui Tam Lawsuits: We handle qui tam lawsuits, which are lawsuits filed on behalf of the government under the False Claims Act.
With Lebau & Neuworth, you gain a dedicated legal team committed to protecting your rights as a whistleblower and pursuing justice, regardless of the industry involved.
Common Challenges in False Claims & Whistleblowing Cases
Some common challenges whistleblowers face include:
- Retaliation: Employers may retaliate against whistleblowers by demoting them, terminating their employment, or otherwise creating a hostile work environment.
- Confidentiality Concerns: Whistleblowers may be concerned about protecting their identity and the confidentiality of their information.
- Complex Legal Issues: False claims and whistleblowing cases often involve complex legal issues and require specialized knowledge.
- Lengthy Investigations: Investigations into whistleblower claims can be lengthy and require patience and persistence.
Take The First Step
At Lebau & Neuworth, we understand the courage it takes to speak up against wrongdoing. Our dedicated team of false claims and whistleblowing lawyers in Baltimore is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you are not retaliated against for doing the right thing. We will work tirelessly to advocate for your interests, navigate the complexities of whistleblower laws, and help you achieve justice.
Contact Our Maryland Office Today
If you have witnessed fraud or misconduct in the workplace, don't hesitate to contact Lebau & Neuworth's Baltimore office today for a confidential consultation with an experienced false claims and whistleblowing lawyer. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and provide expert guidance on your legal options.
NEED A SEPARATE SECTION ON MARYLAND STATE AND FEDERAL WAGE HOUR LAWS as in current site
Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law: This law requires employers to pay wages promptly and prohibits deductions from wages without the employee's consent. This law can also apply to unpaid contributions to retirement plans.
