Chicago Qui Tam Whistleblower Attorney

Exposing Fraud Takes Courage. Our Chicago Whistleblower Attorneys Protect You Every Step of the Way.

Discovering that your employer or colleagues are defrauding the government is an overwhelming and isolating experience. If you are sitting on evidence of healthcare fraud, upcoding, or government contract violations, you are likely worried about your career, your reputation, and your family’s financial security. Taking that first step to speak up takes immense courage, and you shouldn’t have to navigate the fallout alone. At Paul Padda Law, our primary goal is to protect your identity, safeguard your livelihood, and ensure you are legally and financially protected when you decide to do the right thing.

We offer comprehensive legal representation for whistleblowers (qui tam plaintiffs) who are ready to expose fraud against Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs. The moment you bring your case to us, we take the burden off your shoulders. We specifically help by meticulously building your case and filing it “under seal”—a complex legal process that keeps your identity strictly confidential while the government investigates. We work directly with investigators, advocate for government intervention, and aggressively pursue the case to maximize your financial reward, which can legally range from 15% to 30% of the funds recovered.

You need a legal team you can trust with your career, and we have the specialized experience required to take on massive corporations and well-funded healthcare providers. Because we practice right here in Chicago, we bring critical local knowledge to your case. We know how to effectively leverage the overlapping protections of the federal False Claims Act, the Illinois False Claims Act, and Chicago’s own municipal whistleblower laws. We are intimately familiar with the federal courts in the Northern District of Illinois, and we know exactly how local prosecutors and judges handle these high-stakes cases.You do not have to carry this burden in silence. Let our team evaluate your evidence and explain your rights in a completely secure, privileged environment. Contact Paul Padda Law at (312) 702-7000 or through our online form for a 100% confidential, no-risk consultation.

Understanding Qui Tam Actions Under Federal and Illinois Law

“Qui tam” derives from the Latin phrase meaning “who sues on behalf of the king as well as for himself.” This ancient concept empowers private citizens to act as private Attorneys General, exposing fraud the government might never discover independently.

The False Claims Act Framework:

Federal False Claims Act: Passed during the Civil War to combat defense contractor fraud, the False Claims Act remains the government’s primary anti-fraud tool. In FY2024, over $2.9billion was recovered due to fraud, waste, and abuse in the industry. Key provisions include:

• Triple damages plus penalties of $13,946 to $28,619 per false claim (as of 2025)
• Whistleblower rewards of 15-25 percent if government intervenes, 25-30 percent if proceeding alone
• Protection against retaliation
• Six-year statute of limitations (up to 10 years with discovery rule)

Illinois False Claims Act (740 ILCS 175): The Illinois False Claims Act covers fraud against state and local government entities. Like the federal FCA, the Illinois False Claims Act does not cover claims, records, or statements made under the Illinois Income Tax Act. Key features:

• Coverage for all state-funded programs
• Penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim plus triple damages
• Whistleblower rewards of 15-30 percent of recovery
• Protection for municipalities, school districts, counties
• Coordination with federal cases for Medicaid fraud

Northern District of Illinois Enforcement:

Chicago’s federal prosecutors aggressively pursue healthcare fraud through:

• Newly created Healthcare Fraud Section
• Coordinated federal-state investigations
• Record-breaking enforcement actions
• Multi-million-dollar settlements

Recent Northern District cases demonstrate enforcement priorities:

• KareFirst Management: $2 million for proprietary software causing upcoded claims
• Cancer Therapy Associates: $757,879 for unbundling mole removal procedures
• Docs at the Door: $25 million judgment for false care plan oversight claims

Common Types of Healthcare Fraud in Chicago

Healthcare fraud remains the most common False Claims Act violation, with schemes evolving to exploit new programs and technologies.

Medicare and Medicaid Fraud:

Upcoding: Billing for more expensive services than provided:

• Telephone consultations billed as in-person visits
• Routine care billed as complex procedures
• Nurse services billed as physician care
• Standard equipment billed as specialized devices

Unbundling: As part of a settlement agreement approved by U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, Greager and CTA agreed to pay $757,879.90 for performing multiple mole removal procedures on patients on a single date but submitting claims that made it appear as though the procedures had been performed on multiple dates.

Double Billing:

• Submitting same claim to multiple insurers
• Billing both Medicare and secondary insurance improperly
• Duplicate claims for single service
• Billing patient and insurance for same service

Skilled Nursing Facility Fraud:

Chicago-area nursing facilities frequently engage in:

• False care plan oversight claims
• Phantom billing for services never provided
• Kickbacks for patient referrals
• Unnecessary therapy services
• Improper use of nurse practitioners

COVID-19 Related Fraud:

ANOSH AHMED and others were indicted for their roles in an alleged $894 million fraudulent Covid-19 testing scheme, causing laboratories to submit false claims to the HRSA Covid-19 Uninsured Program.

Common COVID schemes include:

• False testing claims
• PPP loan fraud
• Vaccine administration fraud
• Personal protective equipment price gouging

Prescription Drug and DME Fraud:

• Kickbacks for prescriptions
• Off-label marketing schemes
• Best Price fraud affecting Medicaid reimbursement
• Unnecessary durable medical equipment
• Compounded medication schemes

Building Your Qui Tam Case

Successful whistleblower cases require specific evidence and strategic presentation to interested government prosecutors.

Essential Elements to Prove:

To successfully bring a False Claims Act claim, you must show:

• False statement or fraudulent conduct
• Made with knowledge of falsity
• Material to payment decision

Government money or property involvementTypes of Evidence Needed:

Documentary Evidence:

• Billing records showing false claims
• Internal emails discussing fraud
• Audit reports identifying problems
• Patient files demonstrating unnecessary services
• Financial records showing kickbacks

Electronic Evidence:

• Electronic health record (EHR) data
• Software programmed for automatic upcoding
• Database queries showing patterns
• Communications about fraudulent practices

Witness Information:

• Other employees aware of fraud
• Patients affected by schemes
• Former employees with knowledge
• Vendors involved in kickbacks

First-to-File Rule:

Only the first person to file a qui tam case can receive a reward. This creates urgency:

• Multiple employees may know about fraud
• Delay risks losing whistleblower status
• Government investigations may already be underway
• Public disclosures can bar recovery

The Qui Tam Filing Process in Chicago

Filing a qui tam lawsuit requires strict compliance with procedural requirements and strategic decisions about venue and timing.

Initial Filing Requirements:

Under Seal Filing: All qui tam cases file under seal in federal court:

• Complaint remains secret for at least 60 days
• Government investigates without alerting the defendant(s)
• Extensions commonly granted for complex cases
• Your identity is protected during investigation

Disclosure Statement: You must provide the government with:

• All material evidence in your possession
• Detailed written disclosure of allegations
• Supporting documentation
• Witness information

Government Investigation Phase:

During the seal period, the Department of Justice:

• Reviews evidence with FBI and HHS-OIG agents
• Interviews witnesses
• Subpoenas additional records
• Analyzes financial impact
• Decides whether to intervene

Intervention Decision:

If Government Intervenes:

• DOJ takes over prosecution
• You remain as relator with rights
• Settlement negotiations include your counsel
• Recovery typically higher with government resources
• Your share: 15-25 percent of recovery

If Government Declines:

• You may proceed independently
• Higher percentage (25-30 percent) but harder path
• Need resources for complex litigation
• Some cases succeed without intervention

Whistleblower Protections and Retaliation

Federal and Illinois law provide robust protection against employer retaliation for whistleblowing activities.

Anti-Retaliation Provisions:

Federal Protection: The False Claims Act prohibits employers from:

• Terminating whistleblowers
• Demoting or suspending
• Harassing or discriminating
• Reducing pay or hours
• Blacklisting from future employment

Remedies for Retaliation: Successful retaliation claims can recover:

• Double back pay with interest
• Reinstatement at prior seniority
• Special damages for emotional distress
• Attorney’s fees and costs
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

Maintaining Employment During Case:

Strategic considerations for current employees:

• Cases remain sealed during investigation
• Identity protection during government review
• Anonymous filing through counsel
• Coordination with employment attorneys
• Documentation of any adverse actions

Financial Rewards for Whistleblowers

Whistleblower rewards incentivize reporting fraud and provide compensation  for the risks taken in coming forward.

Calculating Your Potential Award:

Factors Affecting Percentage:

• Whether government intervenes
• Your contribution to the case
• Level of involvement in planning fraud
• Cooperation during investigation
• Significance of information provided

Recent Chicago Area Recoveries: While individual relator shares vary, recent settlements show substantial potential:

• $60 million TeamHealth settlement
• $25 million Docs at the Door judgment
• $12 million McHugh Construction settlement
• Numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries

Multiple Recovery Sources:

Federal Programs:

• False Claims Act: 15-30 percent of recovery
• SEC Whistleblower: 10-30 percent for securities fraud
• IRS Whistleblower: 15-30 percent for tax fraud over $2 million
• CFTC: 10-30 percent for commodities fraud

State and Local:

• Illinois False Claims Act rewards
• Chicago False Claims Act provisions
• Coordination increases total recovery

Why Choose Paul Padda Law

Qui tam cases demand attorneys with federal court experience, an understanding of complex healthcare regulations, and the resources to pursue lengthy litigation.

Our Comprehensive Approach:

Investigation and Analysis: We thoroughly evaluate potential cases, analyzing evidence, identifying additional witnesses, and assessing recovery potential before filing.

Strategic Filing: Our attorneys understand Northern District of Illinois procedures, working with government attorneys to present compelling cases for intervention.

Aggressive Prosecution: When the government declines, we have resources and determination to pursue cases independently, maximizing your recovery percentage.

Complete Protection: We safeguard your identity, protect against retaliation, and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.

National Reach, Chicago Focus:

While based in Chicago, we handle whistleblower cases nationwide. Our understanding of Illinois False Claims Act coordination with federal cases provides unique advantages for Illinois whistleblowers.

No Recovery, No Fee:

We handle qui tam cases on contingency, advancing all costs and taking fees only from successful recoveries. This ensures access to experienced representation regardless of your financial resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Whistleblower & Qui Tam Cases

Take Action Against Fraud Today

Healthcare fraud and government contract abuse drain billions from taxpayer-funded programs, harming legitimate patients and honest businesses. Whistleblowers serve a vital public function, exposing fraud the government cannot detect alone.

The decision to become a whistleblower requires courage, but the law provides substantial protection and rewards. With experienced counsel, you can expose fraud while protecting your career and maximizing your financial recovery.

Time is critical. The first-to-file rule means that a delay could forfeit your opportunity. Statutes of limitations continue running. Evidence may disappear.

Contact Paul Padda Law today at (312) 702-7000 or use our online form for a confidential consultation with experienced Chicago qui tam whistleblower attorneys. Help stop fraud while securing your financial future.