The Maryland False Claims Act gives private individuals the ability to report fraud involving state funds and hold companies accountable when public money is misused. These cases often arise when businesses submit false invoices, overbill state programs, or certify compliance they never actually met.
Whistleblowers are often insiders who see the misconduct firsthand. While reporting fraud can feel risky, Maryland law provides both financial incentives and legal protections for those who come forward. Lebau & Neuworth represents whistleblowers across Maryland in False Claims Act matters and helps clients pursue recoveries while navigating the legal process carefully and confidentially.
What the Maryland False Claims Act Covers
The Maryland False Claims Act applies when a person or company knowingly submits false or misleading claims for payment to the State of Maryland or its agencies. The law is designed to recover state funds and discourage fraud tied to public programs.
Common conduct covered by the Maryland False Claims Act includes submitting inflated invoices, billing for work not performed, misrepresenting compliance with contract requirements, and avoiding repayment obligations owed to the state. These cases often involve complex financial records and require careful investigation before any claim is filed.
The law allows whistleblowers to act on behalf of the state, even when the misconduct is not yet publicly known.
Qui Tam Lawsuits Under the Maryland False Claims Act
A Maryland False Claims Act case is typically filed as a qui tam lawsuit. This type of claim allows a private individual, known as the relator, to bring the action in the name of the State of Maryland.
Qui tam cases are filed under seal, meaning they remain confidential while the state reviews the allegations. During this period, the government investigates the claims and decides whether to intervene and take over the case. Even if the state declines intervention, the whistleblower may still be able to move forward.
If the case results in a recovery, whistleblowers may receive a percentage of the funds returned to the state, depending on the circumstances of the case and the whistleblower’s role in uncovering the fraud.
Who Can File a Maryland False Claims Act Claim
The Maryland False Claims Act is not limited to employees. A wide range of individuals with non-public information may be eligible to file a claim.
This may include current or former employees, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, or others who became aware of fraud through their work. In many cases, whistleblowers first identify issues while performing routine job duties, reviewing invoices, or managing compliance obligations tied to state funding.
Eligibility often depends on how the information was obtained and whether the claim is based on original knowledge. These details matter and should be reviewed before any filing occurs.
Anti-Retaliation Protections for Maryland Whistleblowers
Fear of retaliation keeps many people silent, even when they know something is wrong. The Maryland False Claims Act includes protections for whistleblowers who experience negative treatment because of their reporting efforts.
Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduced hours, changes in job responsibilities, or workplace harassment. These protections may apply even if a qui tam lawsuit has not yet been filed, as long as the whistleblower took steps connected to stopping false claims or reporting misconduct.
When retaliation occurs, whistleblowers may be entitled to compensation that addresses lost income and other harm caused by the employer’s actions.
Maryland False Claims Act and Federal False Claims Act Differences
While the Maryland False Claims Act is modeled after the federal statute, the two laws are not identical. The Maryland Act focuses on fraud involving state funds, while the federal False Claims Act applies to federal programs and agencies.
Some cases involve both state and federal money, which can create overlapping claims. In those situations, it is often possible to pursue parallel actions under both laws. Determining which statutes apply depends on how the funding was structured and which government entities were affected.
Handling these cases properly requires an understanding of both Maryland and federal whistleblower laws and how they interact.
Industries Commonly Involved in Maryland False Claims Act Cases
Maryland False Claims Act cases arise across many sectors, particularly where public funding or state contracts are involved. These matters often include healthcare providers billing state programs, contractors working on public infrastructure projects, and companies receiving state grants or subsidies.
Fraud can occur through improper billing practices, false certifications, or failure to meet contractual obligations while still requesting payment. Even small misrepresentations can add up over time when repeated across many claims.
How Lebau & Neuworth Handles Maryland False Claims Act Matters
False Claims Act cases require a careful approach from the very beginning. At Lebau & Neuworth, we focus on developing the facts thoroughly before any claim is filed. Our attorneys work closely with clients to understand how the misconduct occurred, what evidence exists, and which legal paths make sense.
Our representation often includes evaluating potential qui tam claims, preparing filings under seal, communicating with government attorneys, and responding to retaliation when it occurs. Because these cases can take time, we remain involved throughout the investigation process rather than stepping back once a complaint is filed.
Why Whistleblowers Trust Lebau & Neuworth
Lebau & Neuworth has a focused practice representing whistleblowers and employees in complex litigation. We understand the professional and personal pressures whistleblowers face and work to protect our clients while pursuing accountability.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for whistleblowers and maintains strong working relationships with government agencies involved in False Claims Act enforcement. We limit the number of whistleblower cases we accept so we can devote meaningful attention to each matter.
Talk With Lebau & Neuworth About a Maryland False Claims Act Case
If you have information about fraud involving Maryland state funds, the experienced team at Lebau & Neuworth can help you evaluate your options under the Maryland False Claims Act. Our firm offers confidential consultations and clear guidance on how qui tam claims and whistleblower protections apply to your situation.
Contact Lebau & Neuworth today to discuss a potential Maryland False Claims Act claim and learn how we can help protect your interests.
