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Tampa False Claims Lawyer

Submitting a false claim or making a false statement to the state of Florida or to the federal government or a federal government agency is illegal. Both the state of Florida and the federal government maintain a False Claims Act. At the law office of Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa false claims lawyers provide false claims defense as well as qui tam representation. If you are involved in a false claims case and need legal representation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm directly today for a consultation about your legal options.

Understanding the False Claims Act

As mentioned above, there is both a federal False Claims Act and a Florida False Claims Act. The two acts mirror one another, with each essentially saying that it is unlawful for a person or party to knowingly submit a false claim to the state, cause another to submit a false claim, or knowingly make a false record or statement to get a false claim paid by the state. Federally, the False Claims Act pertains to various systems and agencies, including the filing of a false healthcare claim.

The Elements of a False Claim Case

In order for the state to prove that a defendant is guilty of a violation of the False Claims Act, it must prove more than that the person/party simply submitted a false claim to the government. Indeed, sometimes, this happens as a result of error. Instead, it must be proven that the defendant knowingly submitted a false claim. Knowledge of false information means:

  • Actual knowledge;
  • Deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of information; or
  • Reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of information.

Proving knowledge of submitting a false claim is not the burden of the plaintiff in the case.

Penalties Under the False Claims Act

Violations under the False Claims Act are civil violations that are penalized by a fine. Under both state and federal statutes, the fine per violation is between $5,500 and $11,000 in addition to up to three times the amount of damages sustained by the state. For example, if the state sustained $20,000 in damages due to a false claims violation, the defendant could potentially be liable for $71,000—three multiplied by $20,000 plus up to $11,000.

The Role of a Tampa False Claims Lawyer

If you have been accused of a false claims violation, hiring a Tampa false claims lawyer sooner rather than later is important. At the law office of Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa false claims lawyers will be responsible for reviewing the plaintiff’s/state’s evidence against you, building your case, working hard to prove that you did not have knowledge of the false claim (if applicable), and protecting your best interests.

Call Our Tampa False Claims Lawyer Today

To learn more about your rights when you have been accused of a violation under the False Claims Act, call our Tampa false claims lawyer today. We have years of experience and are ready to start working on your case immediately. Reach us by phone or online to get started.

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