Under the qui tam provisions, what can a relator gain from successfully bringing a case?

The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act allow individuals, known as relators, to file lawsuits on behalf of the government if they have evidence that someone is committing fraud against federal programs. When a relator successfully brings a case and the government recovers funds as a result, they are entitled to receive a percentage of the recovered amount. This financial incentive serves to encourage individuals to report fraud and misconduct by providing them with a tangible reward for their efforts in exposing wrongdoing.

The relator's share can significantly impact their financial circumstances, making it an effective method for the government to combat fraud. In some cases, this share can be as high as 30% of the total recovery, depending on the circumstances of the case. Hence, the monetary incentive serves as a powerful motivator for individuals to come forward with information that might otherwise remain concealed.

Other options, such as a public apology or employment with the government, do not represent typical outcomes of a qui tam lawsuit and do not align with the purpose of incentivizing fraud reporting. Immediate criminal immunity is also not granted under these provisions; while there may be protections for whistleblowers, they must still face any legal repercussions related to their conduct.