On July 1, 2012, the Georgia Taxpayer Protection False Claims Act (“Georgia FCA”) became effective enabling whistleblowers to pursue claims against businesses that present false claims to the State of Georgia and also its political subdivisions. This includes community health centers, schools, transportation and housing authorities.
Under this law, Individuals or entities guilty of committing these violations will be assessed civil penalties of $5,000 to $11,000 for each false or fraudulent claim, plus attorneys’ fees and three times the amount of damages which the state or local government sustains because of the violation. As with other false claims laws, if there is a recovery for the government, the whistleblower is awarded a percentage of that recovery. For cases where the state intervenes, the whistleblower may receive 15 – 25% of the recovery. For cases where the state does not intervene, the reward is 25 – 30%.
Alabama does not have a similar statute at this time. However, employees in Alabama who have knowledge of improper use of Federal funds or of fraudulent claims for payment from the Federal Government may be able to bring similar claims under the Federal False Claims Act.If you believe your employer has committed fraudulent against the government, our firm can help you determine if you have a claim and discuss your options for proceeding.