As attorneys specializing in whistleblower cases, we’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role whistleblowers play in safeguarding our community’s healthcare system and protecting taxpayer dollars. The U.S. Department of Justice’s latest report for fiscal year 2024 confirms what we’ve long known: whistleblowers are the unsung heroes in the fight against fraud.
A Landmark Year for Fraud Detection
The 2024 fiscal year saw an unprecedented surge in whistleblower driven investigations:
- Nearly 1,000 qui tam suits filed nationwide[1]
- Over $2.9 billion recovered for taxpayers[2]
- Healthcare fraud accounting for 58% of total recoveries[3]
Virginia’s Stake in Fraud Prevention
For our clients in southwest Virginia, these numbers are more than just statistics. They represent:
- Protection of critical healthcare resources
- Preservation of medical integrity
- Financial accountability for healthcare providers
- Safeguarding patient care and public funds
Notable Healthcare Fraud Settlements
The past year saw significant settlements that demonstrate the impact of whistleblower actions:
- $475.6 million claim against Endo Health Solutions[4]
- $345 million settlement with Community Health Network[5]
- $34.5 million resolution with DaVita Inc[6]
Why Whistleblower Cases Matter in Our Community
In southwest Virginia’s tight-knit healthcare landscape, fraudulent practices can have far reaching consequences. Whistleblowers play a crucial role by:
- Exposing systemic misconduct
- Protecting patient care
- Ensuring fair competition
- Preventing misuse of federal and state healthcare funds
Your Potential Role
If you’ve witnessed:
- Billing irregularities
- False medical claims
- Kickback schemes
- Violation of healthcare regulations
You might have a potential whistleblower case. Our experienced team at Frith & Ellerman can provide confidential guidance and help you understand your rights and potential legal recourse.
Free Consultation
Protecting the integrity of our healthcare system starts with brave individuals willing to speak up. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options.
Contact Frith & Ellerman Law Firm
- Located in Roanoke, serving southwest Virginia
- Experienced whistleblower attorneys
- Committed to healthcare fraud prevention
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[1] False Claims Act Settlements and Judgments Exceed $2.9B in Fiscal Year 2024. U.S. Justice Dep’t – Press Release (Jan. 15 2025) available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/false-claims-act-settlements-and-judgments-exceed-29b-fiscal-year-2024#:~:text=PANDEMIC%20FRAUD&text=During%20fiscal%20year%202024%2C%20the,allegations%20of%20pandemic%2Drelated%20fraud.
[2] Id.
[3] Swindler, Grace. Nearly 1,000 Whistleblower Cases in Fiscal Year 2024. TAF Coalition (Jan. 16, 2025) available at https://www.taf.org/nearly-1000-whistleblower-cases-in-fiscal-year-2024/?link_id=2&can_id=82ef31d9caa9d15f3815e28e59333807&source=email-fraud-in-america-how-whistleblowers-are-uncovering-ppp-fraud&email_referrer=email_2586209___from_3112291&email_subject=nearly-1000-false-claims-act-whistleblower-cases-in-fy24-bondi-defends-fca.
[4] Opioid Manufacturer Endo Health Solutions Inc. Agrees to Global Resolution of Criminal and Civil Investigations into Sales and Marketing of Branded Opioid Drug. U.S. Justice Dep’t – Press Release (Feb. 29, 2024) available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/opioid-manufacturer-endo-health-solutions-inc-agrees-global-resolution-criminal-and-civil.
[5] Community Health Network Agrees to Pay $345 Million to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations. U.S. Justice Dep’t – Press Release (Dec. 18, 2023) available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/community-health-network-agrees-pay-345-million-settle-alleged-false-claims-act.
[6] DaVita to Pay Over $34M to Resolve Allegations of Illegal Kickbacks. U.S. Justice Dep’t – Press Release (July 18, 2024) available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/davita-pay-over-34m-resolve-allegations-illegal-kickbacks.