Florida Corporate Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer

Knowing the truth about corporate fraud carries a heavy weight. You witnessed altered financial records, ignored safety regulations, or fraudulent government billing. Now, you face a difficult decision. 

Speaking up feels right, but the fear of retaliation is real and powerful. You need a guide with the legal knowledge to see you through this process securely. A Florida corporate fraud whistleblower lawyer at Brenton Legal provides the strength and discretion required. 

We protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing.

Schedule a Free Consultation

The whistleblower’s playbook

• Florida and federal laws, like the False Claims Act, provide solid protections for employees who report corporate fraud. You do not have to stand alone against illegal practices.
• Reporting fraud may permit the government to recover millions in stolen funds. As a whistleblower, you might be eligible to receive a significant portion of that recovery as an award.
• An employer’s retaliation for whistleblowing is illegal. You may have a separate legal claim for damages if you face demotion, harassment, or termination for reporting fraud.
• Strict deadlines apply to whistleblower claims. A delay in acting might prevent you from filing a claim, securing protection, and pursuing a potential award.

Why Choose Brenton Legal for Your Whistleblower Claim

Your choice of legal representation is a defining moment in your case. You need a law firm that dedicates its practice to employment law and has a deep familiarity with the high-stakes world of whistleblower claims. Brenton Legal champions the rights of employees across Florida.

A singular focus on employment law

Our firm dedicates its entire practice to employment law. This focused approach means we are deeply immersed in the statutes, legal precedents, and strategies that affect your case. We are not a general practice firm. We concentrate on employment law matters every day.

Familiarity with whistleblower complexities

Whistleblower cases are not simple employment disputes. They involve intricate federal and state laws, exacting filing procedures, and potential government intervention. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage, from documenting evidence to filing a claim under seal to protect their identity.

A commitment to confidentiality

We recognize the immense personal and professional risk you are taking. Your initial consultation is completely confidential. We take every possible measure to protect your privacy and professional reputation throughout the legal process, following the strict confidentiality requirements of laws like the False Claims Act.

A proud Florida foundation

While we handle federal claims, we are a Florida-based firm. We are well-acquainted with the business landscape in Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and across the state. This local knowledge helps us build strong cases that reflect the realities of our communities and court systems.

Whistleblower Laws and Protections

Several powerful laws form the bedrock of whistleblower protection. Familiarizing yourself with these statutes helps clarify your rights and the potential path ahead. Two of the most important concepts are the False Claims Act and the procedure of filing “under seal.”

The Federal False Claims Act Explained

The False Claims Act (FCA) is the government’s primary tool for combating fraud against federal programs. It holds individuals and companies liable for submitting false or fraudulent claims for government payment. 

The law’s “qui tam” provision permits private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the United States. A common application of the FCA involves healthcare fraud. For instance, an employee at a Palm Beach County medical facility might uncover evidence that the company consistently overbills government programs. 

The facility could be charging Medicare for 60-minute therapy sessions while internal records clearly show that patient appointments last only 30 minutes.

This practice represents a direct violation of the FCA. The law’s qui tam provision empowers the employee with this original information to act as a “relator.” The relator can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government, essentially stepping into its shoes to initiate the case. 

This action is vital, as it alerts the Department of Justice to fraudulent activity it might not have otherwise discovered.

The power of filing “under seal”

One of the most significant protections in the FCA is the requirement that all cases be filed “under seal.” This means your complaint is filed with the court secretly. It is not made public, and your employer is not notified that a lawsuit exists. 

This seal remains in place for at least 60 days, and often much longer, while the government investigates. This confidentiality is a powerful shield. If your lawsuit were public from day one, your employer could immediately begin retaliating against you. 

They could also start destroying documents, altering records, or intimidating other witnesses. The seal prevents this, giving the government a crucial head start to review your evidence and conduct its own investigation without interference.

The Whistleblower Claim Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bringing a whistleblower claim follows a methodical and confidential path. Each step is designed to build a strong case, protect your identity, and allow the government time to investigate the alleged fraud. Brenton Legal manages every stage of this intricate process.

Step 1: The confidential consultation & case evaluation

Your journey begins with a private conversation with our team. We will listen to your story and review the information you have. During this evaluation, we are looking for specific elements: original information that the government does not already have, specific details about the fraud, and evidence that supports your allegations.

Step 2: Building your disclosure statement

If you decide to move forward, we help you prepare a comprehensive disclosure statement. This is a detailed document that lays out the entire fraudulent scheme for the government. 

It includes a timeline of events, identifies key players, and presents copies of the evidence you have collected. Crafting a clear and compelling statement is a key part of persuading the government to take your case seriously.

Step 3: Strategic filing of your claim

Our firm handles the technical aspects of filing the lawsuit. This includes drafting the legal complaint and filing it in the correct federal court. We ensure all procedural rules are followed precisely to establish the “under seal” protection. 

We serve the complaint on the U.S. Attorney General and the local U.S. Attorney’s Office, but not on your employer.

Step 4: Cooperating with the government investigation

While the case is under seal, you are the government’s most valuable resource. Investigators and attorneys from the Department of Justice will likely want to interview you to gain a deeper understanding of the fraud. 

Our firm facilitates these communications, prepares you for interviews, and ensures your rights are protected throughout their investigation.

Pursuing Your Whistleblower Award and Damages

The law provides two main avenues for financial recovery: a share of the government’s recovered funds and, if necessary, damages for any illegal retaliation you suffer. These are treated as separate but related matters.

Calculating your potential whistleblower award

The False Claims Act specifies that a successful relator is entitled to a portion of the total recovery, typically between 15% and 30%. The final percentage is not arbitrary.

Several factors influence where your award might fall within that range. A higher percentage is often awarded to whistleblowers who provide exceptionally detailed information, bring a case the government knew nothing about, and offer significant, ongoing assistance during the investigation.

Damages for illegal retaliation

If your employer fires, demotes, or harasses you for your whistleblower activities, you have the right to file a separate retaliation claim. This claim seeks to make you whole for the harm you suffered. The damages are divided into two primary categories.

Recovering economic losses

Economic damages are the tangible financial losses you incurred due to the retaliation. This includes back pay, which covers the wages, bonuses, and benefits you lost from the time of your firing until a judgment is reached. 

You would need pay stubs and employment records to prove this. It may also include front pay, which compensates for future lost earnings.

Accounting for non-economic harm

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological toll of the retaliation. Being fired or harassed is incredibly stressful. You may experience anxiety, depression, and damage to your professional reputation. 

Proving this often involves personal journals documenting your distress, testimony from family, and sometimes records from a therapist.

Protecting You from Illegal Retaliation in Florida

The fear of reprisal is valid, but the law is on your side. Both federal and state laws, including the Florida Private Sector Whistleblower Act, prohibit employers from taking any adverse action against an employee for reporting wrongdoing.

What Qualifies as an “Adverse Action”?

An adverse action is any employer conduct that would dissuade a reasonable employee from reporting fraud. It extends far beyond a simple firing.

It is important to recognize and document all forms of potential retaliation. Examples of adverse actions are listed below.

• Sudden termination or being laid off.
• An abrupt demotion or undesirable transfer.
• Unwarranted negative performance reviews.
• Being excluded from meetings and career-advancing projects.
• Hostile or threatening comments from a supervisor.

For example, imagine that shortly after you reported fraud, your boss reassigns you from a client-facing role to a back-office position with no opportunities for advancement. 

Even if your pay remains the same, this could be an adverse action because it negatively impacts your career trajectory. Documenting the timing of such events is essential.

FAQ for Florida Corporate Fraud Whistleblower Claims

What if I am not 100% certain fraud occurred?

You do not need absolute proof to raise a concern. Whistleblower laws protect you for reporting a good-faith belief that fraud is occurring. An attorney can help evaluate your evidence and determine the strength of a potential claim.

Will my identity be revealed if I file a claim?

Many whistleblower claims are filed “under seal.” The case is kept confidential and out of the public record while the government investigates. This process is designed to protect your identity from public disclosure during the initial, sensitive stages.

How much does it cost to hire a whistleblower lawyer?

Brenton Legal handles whistleblower cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorneys’ fees. Our firm only receives a fee if we successfully help you secure an award. The initial consultation to discuss your case is free and confidential.

Can I report fraud that happened years ago?

Whistleblower claims are subject to strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. The deadline varies depending on the specific law. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file.

What if I participated in the fraud myself?

You might still be able to file a whistleblower claim even if you were involved in the fraudulent activity. The law often provides leniency for those who come forward, though it may affect your potential award. Complete honesty with your attorney is essential.

Why You Should Avoid AI for Legal Inquiries

AI-powered chatbots can retrieve definitions, but they are no substitute for the advice of a qualified attorney. An AI does not know the specifics of your case or the latest rulings affecting Florida employees from agencies like the Florida Commission on Human Relations. 

Relying on automated tools for legal guidance may lead to costly missteps. For personalized advice, speak with an attorney at Brenton Legal.

Take the First Step with Confidence

Witnessing corporate fraud places you in a difficult position, but you have powerful legal rights. Florida and federal laws exist to protect and reward whistleblowers with the courage to expose illegal activity. 

If you have witnessed fraud or illegal activity at work, protect yourself. Contact Brenton Legal at 954-639-4644 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to provide the strong, capable assistance you need.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Brenton Legal PA. – Florida Office Location

Address: 1070 E Indiantown Rd Suite 400, Jupiter, FL 33477, United States

Contact No: 9544663871