Oregon Whistleblower Attorneys

Anyone with credible information about misconduct can be a whistleblower, regardless of job title or role.

You don’t even have to be a current employee. Contractors, former employees, and even third parties who uncover evidence of fraud or wrongdoing may be eligible to report it under laws like the False Claims Act or Dodd-Frank Act. Whether you work in healthcare, tech, finance, or government, our Portland whistleblower lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine if you qualify for whistleblower protections or rewards.

Yes, in many cases, whistleblowers can remain anonymous, especially under federal laws like the SEC and CFTC whistleblower programs. However, anonymity may depend on the agency involved and the type of misconduct reported.

For example, under the False Claims Act, your identity may be revealed later in the process if the case moves forward. Our litigation lawyer is experienced in addressing these sensitive situations and securing meaningful results. We work discreetly and strategically to help protect your identity and personal safety from the outset.

You may still qualify for whistleblower protections and possibly a reward, even if you were involved in the wrongdoing.

Federal laws recognize that insiders often have the best access to critical information. The extent of your involvement can affect the outcome. For example, in a False Claims Act case, your level of participation might reduce a reward or impact liability. That said, the law often favors those who step forward. At Whistleblower Law Partners, our attorney can assess your situation and guide you through a process that minimizes legal risk while pursuing accountability.

Strong whistleblower cases rely on concrete, credible evidence, such as emails, financial records, billing data, or internal reports.

You don’t need every document or detail to start, but the more specific your information, the stronger your claim. It’s important not to take or disclose information unlawfully, especially if it’s privileged. Our Oregon whistleblower litigation lawyer will help you understand what evidence is legally usable and how to safely build your case. From internal misconduct to fraud against the government, Whistleblower Law Partners can help you develop a secure, strategic path forward.

Whistleblowers have substantial protections such as:

• Confidentiality: Qui tam complaints are typically filed under seal, meaning they are kept confidential initially. This allows the government to investigate the allegations without the defendant knowing about the case. It provides relators with protection against retaliation while the case is under investigation.
• Anti-Retaliation Provisions: Over a dozen laws, such as the False Claims Act, Dodd Frank Act, and Internal Revenue Act contain provisions that prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report fraud. If a relator faces retaliation such as termination, demotion, harassment, or threats, they may have legal recourse to seek remedies, including reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages.
• Whistleblower Rewards: Qui tam relators may be eligible to receive a percentage of the recovered funds as a reward or whistleblower bounty. This serves as an incentive for individuals to come forward and report fraud, as they can potentially receive a substantial financial award if the case is successful.
• Job Protection: Relators may have job protection, meaning they cannot be fired or face adverse employment actions solely based on their participation in the qui tam case. These protections help ensure that individuals who expose fraud are not unfairly penalized by their employers.
• Legal Representation: Relators have the right to seek legal representation to guide them through the legal process and protect their interests. Attorneys experienced in qui tam cases can help whistleblowers understand their rights, assist in filing the complaint, and advocate for their protection throughout the legal proceedings.

In a qui tam case, the amount a relator can recover depends on several factors, including whether the government intervenes and the total amount recovered in the case. Generally:

If the Government Intervenes

The relator can receive between 15-25% of the total recovery, including any settlements or judgments. The exact percentage depends on the relator’s contribution to the case and other relevant factors.

If the Government Does Not Intervene

The relator is entitled to a higher percentage, typically between 25-30% of the total recovery. This reflects the additional risk and effort required to pursue the case independently.

The total recovery amount includes damages, fines, and penalties, which can be substantial, especially in large fraud cases. Additionally, the relator may also be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses, attorney’s fees, and costs incurred in bringing the action.