Allegheny County Surfs the False Claims Wave

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania became  the first  municipal government in Pennsylvania and the fourth nationwide to adopt a false claims act.  The new ordinance, based generally on the Federal False Claims Act allows a private individual to file a complaint for false claims after the county Solicitor has investigated the allegations of the complaint and declined to intervene.  If the solicitor decides to intervene, then the solicitor is responsible for conducting the litigation.  The ordinance allows for treble damages plus attorney fees and costs for any violations.  If the County elects to pursue the claim, then the relator’s share of any award is to be between 10 percent and 25 percent  of the recovery.  If the relator brings suit, then the relator award is to be between 15 percent and 30 percent of the total award.  The ordinance also includes anti-retaliation remedies.

For more information see: http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2011/20110428d.aspx