Date: 08-07-2023

Case Style:

United States of America ex rel. John Brooks Klingenberk v. Compass Laboratory Services, LLC

Case Number: 5:21-cv-00289-LCB

Judge: Liles C. Burke

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Madison County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Christ Coumanis and James Dailey

Defendant's Attorney: Breanna Young

Description: Huntsville, Alabama qui tam lawyers represented Plaintiff who sued Defendants on False Claims Act violation theories.

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that allows private citizens to sue on behalf of the government for fraud against the government. The FCA was passed in 1863 in response to defense contractor fraud during the American Civil War.

"The FCA has two main provisions:

Section 3729(a) prohibits anyone from knowingly submitting, or causing to be submitted, a false claim to the government. A false claim is any claim that is false, fictitious, or fraudulent.
Section 3729(b) prohibits anyone from knowingly making, using, or causing to be made or used, a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the government.

The FCA also provides for a number of remedies, including:

Civil penalties of up to $300,000 per false claim, plus three times the amount of damages the government sustains.
Criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
A reward of up to 30% of the government's recovery for the person who brings the lawsuit (the relator).

The FCA is a powerful tool for fighting fraud against the government. It has been used to recover billions of dollars in taxpayer money. The FCA is also a valuable tool for whistleblowers, who can earn substantial rewards for bringing fraud to the government's attention.

Here are some examples of false claims that may violate the FCA:

A contractor submits a bill to the government for work that was not done.
A doctor bills the government for medical services that were not rendered.
A taxpayer claims a deduction on their tax return that they are not entitled to.
A government employee submits a false expense report.

If you believe that you have witnessed or have information about fraud against the government, you should contact the government agency that is responsible for the program that was defrauded. You can also contact the Department of Justice's Civil Division, which is responsible for enforcing the FCA.

You may also be able to file a qui tam lawsuit under the FCA. A qui tam lawsuit is a lawsuit that is filed by a private citizen on behalf of the government. Qui tam lawsuits are often referred to as "whistleblower" lawsuits.

If you file a qui tam lawsuit, you will be entitled to a reward of up to 30% of the government's recovery. You will also be protected from retaliation by your employer.

The FCA is a powerful tool for fighting fraud against the government. If you have information about fraud against the government, you should consider filing a qui tam lawsuit."

Google Bard

Outcome: TEXT ORDER: In accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(2) and 31 U.S.C. § 3730(b)(1), the Court GRANTS Relator's motion (Doc. 29) and DISMISSES Relator's claims with prejudice. The claims shall be dismissed without prejudice as to the United States. Finally, the parties shall bear their own costs and expenses. The Clerk of Court shall close this action. Signed by Judge Liles C Burke on 8/7/2023. (AHI) (Entered: 08/07/2023)

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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