--- description: DC Whistleblower lawyers explain the factors involved in determining awards. Call the firm today to discuss your qui tam case title: Whistleblower Award Factors | DC Qui Tam Lawyer canonical: https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/03/whistleblower-awards-depend-on-a-variety-of-factors/ date_published: 2016-03-01T16:41:00+00:00 date_modified: 2025-11-20T15:06:56+00:00 practice_area: blog --- - Whistleblower Award Factors | DC Qui Tam Lawyer # Whistleblower Awards Depend on a Variety of Factors Last Updated: November 20, 2025 - Reading Time: 3 minutes Trusted Content ![090424_CSCS_APE30](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/090424_CSCS_APE30-r7ld7n5zxjd9ezimssquc85jvnm28x0iit481i4iwo.jpg) Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 9 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Recent Posts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) » Whistleblower Awards Depend on a Variety of Factors [![Best Law Firms - Regional Tier 1 Badge](https://www.bestlawyers.com/Badges/Metro/35728/17508/15/washington-d-c/O/Detail.png)](https://www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/chaikin-sherman-cammarata-siegel/35728/US) What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $35.6 Million - Medical Malpractice $18.8 Million - Car Crash $17.1 Million - Medical Malpractice $15 Million - Neck & Spine Injury $14.25 Million - Class Action $6 Million - Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) [I would never worry again if they are on the case. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Send The firm’s four partners discuss their litigation approach and institutional credentials — including over $1 billion recovered, Tier One Best Law Firm recognition, three partners who served as presidents of the DC Trial Lawyers Association, and two Super Lawyers Top 100 honorees. For whistleblower and qui tam clients, the firm brings the same resources, trial readiness, and willingness to confront powerful entities. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Joseph Cammarata (00:01):** How do you pick the right personal injury lawyer? How do you know who to trust? This is the most important decision you’re going to make right now. The question is how do you get it right? **Allan Siegel (00:14):** For more than 50 years, we’ve gone to battle for our clients. We represent the victims of car bus and truck collisions, bike wrecks, traumatic brain injuries, and medical malpractice. We fight insurance companies, corporations, and governments at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel. We know what it takes to win, and we’re proud of the reputation that we’ve built as advocates for the people. **Ira Sherman (00:45):** Experience matters. That’s just the truth. There’s no other way to excel for our clients other than years of hard work. We’ve dedicated our entire professional careers to this cause and what do we have to show for it? Over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Named Tier One Best Law Firm in Personal Injury Litigation. Three partners who served as presidents of the metropolitan DC Trial Lawyers Association and justice for tens of thousands of clients. **Stephen Ollar (01:22):** Needing a lawyer and finding one can be a scary and overwhelming process. We strive to take the fear and uncertainty out of that process, unlike other firms. When you call our firm, you will always speak with an attorney about your case. As a former staff sergeant in the United States Army, I know what it means to serve and we serve our clients by providing unmatched representation and the expertise to win cases. **Joseph Cammarata (01:50):** Our firm’s mission has always been to represent people from every walk of life, young, old, rich, poor, large cases. In the small ones that comes from our founder, Donald Chaikin. I will never forget what he would tell people. He would say, we fight for those you love. **Allan Siegel (02:09):** We are local and national leaders in the personal injury field. There are not many law firms that have our combination of awards and achievements. We have two trial lawyers recognized in the Super Lawyer’s Top 100 list. Ira Sherman served on the board of the Brain Injury Association of America for many years. Joe Cammarata is a past chair of the AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, and I recently served as the chair of AAJ’s bus litigation group. Look, if people come in, the world **Ira Sherman (02:40):** is turned upside down. They don’t know where to turn next. When you hire us, we’re going to be doing all we can to obtain justice on your behalf. You just got one thing to do, which is to get **Allan Siegel (02:53):** better. We are Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel. Personal Injury Attorneys in Washington, DC. The law incentivizes whistleblowers (who are termed “relators” under the federal False Claims Act) to bring fraudulent activity to the government’s attention. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can receive [substantial monetary awards](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/2009/09/whistleblower-gets-51-5-million/) for reporting fraud that cheats government programs. When the first iteration of the False Claims Act in the 19th century, [whistleblowers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/) were entitled to half of the monetary forfeiture and damages collected by the government. During the FDR administration, the whistleblower’s incentive was slashed to one-tenth of the proceeds of a qui tam lawsuit or settlement. In 1986, Congress amended the law and incentivized whistleblowers with a [sliding scale of compensation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/2013/10/whistleblower-receives-14-million-from-sec/), ranging from 15 percent to 30 percent of the total recovery. The sliding scale was an attempt by Congress to encourage relators to blow the whistle, but also to make it in the relator’s interest to cooperate during the investigation and litigation. Under the current False Claims Act, if the federal government “intervenes” (meaning the feds agree to prosecute the claim because they believe it has merit), a whistleblower is entitled to between 15 and 25 percent of the proceeds of the case. If the government opts not to intervene in a [whistleblower lawsuit](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/2016/01/6-million-award-to-whistleblower-for-reporting-fraudulent-security-clearance-background-checks/), the relator in a successful qui tam case is entitled to between 25 and 30 percent of the recovery. But, like everything else in the law, exceptions abound. The government treats whistleblowers who participated in the reported fraud differently. For relators who actively participated in the fraud and were convicted of this conduct, the government may bar recovery completely. See 31 U.S.C. Sec. 3730(d)(2). For relators who were not convicted of the fraud they reported, but nevertheless helped to plan and carry out the fraud, the government may award these whistleblowers less than the statutory minimum of 15 percent. Whistleblowers who participated in the fraud, but did not help to plan or initiate it, may receive between 15 and 25 percent of the recovery. In addition to the statutory ranges set by the False Claims Act, courts will evaluate a number of other factors when determining the relator’s financial compensation for blowing the whistle. These factors include: - Whether the relator’s information was based off publicly available information - Whether the whistleblower planned and initiated the activity that defrauded the government - The extent of the whistleblower’s assistance during the investigation and litigation of the qui tam claim - The significance of the whistleblower’s information - The degree of cooperation by the relator - Whether the relator reported the fraudulent activity promptly or slowly - Whether the whistleblower provided inside information and records that would not have otherwise been available - The degree of contribution by the whistleblower’s lawyers - Whether the case actually helped end the scheme that was defrauding public money - Whether the government would have been able to discover the fraudulent activity on its own - Whether the relator’s information brought attention to a safety issue that endangered the public - Whether the whistleblower endured hardship when reporting the claim - Whether the relator’s lawyers helped the government prepare for trial - The credibility of the whistleblower during trial or deposition - Whether the whistleblower’s information revealed a local or nationwide fraudulent scheme Some of these factors are discretionary, but courts are required to consider some of these factors when determining a whistleblower’s award. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our whistleblower attorneys have been helping clients for more than 40 years. Our legal team is passionate about helping whistleblowers bring qui tam claims in a manner that both maximizes their personal recovery and also saves the taxpaying public’s money. If you or someone you know has information about activity that is financially defrauding a government program, please [contact our team](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) of attorneys. Because strict time deadlines apply to bringing a whistleblower claim, we recommend getting in touch at you earliest convenience. ![Main CSCS Video - Thumb 1](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png) ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. [Free Case Evaluation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The whistleblower and qui tam attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represent individuals who report fraud against the federal government in cases involving [qui tam False Claims Act actions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/qui-tam/), [health care fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/health-care-fraud/), [Medicare and Medicaid fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/medicare-medicaid-fraud/), [government contractor fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/government-contractor-fraud/), and [Anti-Kickback Statute violations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/anti-kickback-statute/), with full guidance on [whistleblower protections](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/whistleblower-protections/) and [retaliation claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/can-my-employer-retaliate/) for those considering coming forward. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. [READ OUR E-BOOK](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/E-Book.pdf) Meet Our Team [Learn More About Us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/about-us/) Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. [Ira Sherman's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/ira-sherman/) Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. [Joe Cammarata's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/joseph-cammarata/) Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. [Allan Siegel's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/allan-m-siegel) Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. [Stephen Ollar's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/stephen-ollar/) ## Related Articles [Read More Blog Articles](/blog/) ### [Why You Should Have Uninsured Motorist Insurance In DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/why-you-should-have-uninsured-motorist-insurance-in-dc/) ### [Why You Should Have Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Maryland](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/why-you-should-have-uninsured-motorist-insurance-in-maryland/) ### [Can My Employer Retaliate?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/can-my-employer-retaliate/) ### [Government Contractor Fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/government-contractor-fraud/) ### [Health Care Fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/health-care-fraud/) ### [Medicare & Medicaid Fraud](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/medicare-medicaid-fraud/) ### [Whistleblower Protections](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/whistleblower-protections/) ### [Anti-Kickback Statute](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/anti-kickback-statute/) ### [Qui Tam](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/whistleblower-cases/qui-tam/) ### [Marriott Faces Massive Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Breach That Exposed Private Information of Millions of Guests](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/02/marriott-faces-massive-class-action-lawsuit-over-data-breach-that-exposed-private-information-of-millions-of-guests/) Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hotel chain operators, is facing a massive class-action [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2019/02/marriott-faces-massive-class-action-lawsuit-over-data-breach-that-exposed-private-information-of-millions-of-guests/) 02/18/2019 Uncategorized ### [Virginia Appeals Court Upholds Medicaid Fraud Conviction](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/09/virginia-appeals-court-upholds-medicaid-fraud-conviction/) A federal appeals court in Virginia recently upheld the Medicaid fraud conviction against the married [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/09/virginia-appeals-court-upholds-medicaid-fraud-conviction/) 09/27/2016 ### [Can Multiple Whistleblowers File a Single Case?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/07/can-multiple-whistleblowers-file-a-single-case/) The False Claims Act bars duplicate claims filed based on the same information as previous whistleblower [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/07/can-multiple-whistleblowers-file-a-single-case/) 07/26/2016 ### [Can a Whistleblower Who Filed Bankruptcy Pursue a False Claims Act Case?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/04/can-a-whistleblower-who-filed-bankruptcy-pursue-a-false-claims-act-case/) Whistleblowers (called “relators” in the False Claims Act) may have difficulty in seeking a qui [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/04/can-a-whistleblower-who-filed-bankruptcy-pursue-a-false-claims-act-case/) 04/01/2016 ```json-ld {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"LegalService","@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#firm","name":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers","url":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","email":"publicrelations@dc-law.net","logo":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/new-logoBaskerville@2x.png","image":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cscs-firm-photo.jpg","description":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel is a Washington D.C. personal injury law firm with decades of experience representing accident victims throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.","foundingDate":"1969","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"},"founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joseph Chaikin","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}},{"@type":"Person","name":"Ira Sherman","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}}],"employee":[{"@type":"Attorney","name":"Allan M. 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