Choosing a Medicaid Fraud Lawyer

Medicaid fraud is a big hot button issue these days. You assume that your physicians and other healthcare providers are filing claims that are true and correct. However, there are times when they or their employees choose to add services to a claim to make more money. By keeping an eye on your statements that you receive from Medicaid, you can make sure that they are not getting more money than they are owed. If you find inconsistencies, you may feel as if it is time for you to let someone know.

Another type of Medicaid fraud is obtaining Medicaid fraudulently by lying on your application, underrepresenting your income, or even going to several doctors to get medications of the same type. All of these things constitute fraud and can lead to you being charged with Medicaid fraud. Whether you are the one committing fraud or you want to file allegations of fraud, having a Medicaid fraud lawyer is essential to help you through the process.

Finding a Medicaid Fraud Lawyer

You want to find a lawyer that is experienced in dealing with Medicaid fraud. There is a lot that goes into a Medicaid fraud case, which is why experience and knowledge are key to getting the representation you want and need. They understand Medicaid law and can ensure that you get the proper guidance through the legal maze, whether you are being charged with fraud or you want to file a claim against a healthcare provider.

By interviewing different lawyers, you can determine which one works best with you and who is the most knowledgeable in the law as far as Medicaid. This can be one of the best things that you can do before you put a Houston lawyer on retainer, simply because it can cut down on issues in the future. Ask friends and family if they can recommend an attorney or know of someone whom you can ask. A personal recommendation can go a long way to giving you a sense of confidence in your choice.

The Penalties for Medicaid Fraud

The penalties can range from jail time to financial penalties, depending upon the offense. The bigger the offense, the more money owed and the more jail time served. Also, if you are found guilty of Medicaid fraud, you lose benefits. That is why you want to be sure that you are in the right as far as what you put on your application and/or tell your caseworker.

If you know of Medicaid fraud or you are being charged with it, it is time for you to get some legal representation to protect your rights. A Medicaid fraud lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are preserved and get the best outcome possible. 

Blog Source: www.reynal-law.com

The History of the Whistleblower

A Whistleblower is a person who reports their own company and/or supervisors to the governing authorities for conducting illegal or unsafe practices. Prior to 1970, these individuals were subject to retaliation that included harassment, bullying, demotion, and even termination. Because of this potential retaliation, employees were often too frightened to report any wrongdoings, and the practices were allowed to continue.

So, in 1979, the first Whistleblower Protection Act was passed by OSHA to help encourage the reporting of extreme wrongdoing in the workplace. As time progressed, more types of employees were added to those being protected. As of 1989, whistleblower protection extendedto federal workers as well.  Now, even those fired by the federal government have the right and the ability to hire a Whistleblower lawyer to help regain employment and obtain money for damages related to whistleblower retaliation.

The Importance of Whistleblowers

Many times, fraud can occur within a workplace for many years. Whether it be tax fraud, Medicaid/Medicare fraud,insurance fraud, embezzlement, Investment Fraud, payroll fraud, or other types of fraud, it may include the knowledge and help of upper management.  As a result, it will continue as no one is in a position of authority to bring an end to it.

Enter the Whistleblower. The Whistleblower is the employee that cares about the integrity of the company and the law and refused to be a part of the fraudulent activity. Perhaps the activity is detrimental to the government. Maybe it hurts the clients financially. It may even physically compromise the level of care the clients receive. The Whistleblower is willing to go over the head of their supervisors and upper management to ensure the integrity of their company or facility. And without the Whistleblower, the scheme may never come to light.

The Risk and Reward

In the past, many whistleblowers experienced extreme retaliation while others turned their back and allowed it to occur. In addition, no laws were in existence to protect them from this retaliation and no Whistleblower lawyers existed to help. Retaliation could be as simple as a demotion, however, many times it included assault, bullying, harassment, and even termination. As a result, people would not "rat" on their employers for fear of the consequences.

Eventually, the importance of the whistleblower was seen by the government and governing agencies. They knew whistleblowers needed to be protected and rewarded. It became illegal to retaliate against an employee for reporting wrongdoing. Not only was it illegal, but if an employee did experience retaliation, they had legal recourse, including reinstatement of employment and monetary damages. Employees knew they no longer had to fear doing what was right by their clients and their company.

While many employees are now protected if they are Whistleblowers, the stigma of being a "tattletale" still exists. It is important to understand the importance of the Whistleblower in today's society and the protections provided to them to help our businesses flourish legally and productively.

If you find yourself the victim of retaliation or have questions about your rights as a Whistleblower, contact our Whistleblower lawyers at Reynal Law at 713.221.1900 or andino@reynal-law.com.

Whistleblowing Takes An Extraordinary Amount Of Courage

A whistleblower is not a dishonest employee, but should be looked at as a person with uncannycourage. Throughout U.S. history, brave whistleblowers have spoken out against their company’s corruption, unethical business practices, and have helped pull the “wool” from American’s eyes. If you have recently blown the whistle on your company, another business, or are thinking about blowing the whistle, don’t do so without an experienced Houston,TX whistleblower lawyer. If your career and maybe even your personal safety are on the line, you want a lawyer with a strong track record of success in these highly complexed and sometimes public cases.

What Is A Whistleblower And Do They Have Any Rights?

There are many different definitions of what a whistleblower is. In general, this is usually an employee, someone from senior leadership, or a consultant who has insider details about a company’s, or their employer's corruptor illegal business practices. What makes them a whistleblower is the fact that these people risk their careers, reputation and sometimes personal safety to tell the world of corruption the U.S. people need to know about.

Whistleblowers may feel alone at first, but if they speak with ahighly-experienced Houston,TX criminal lawyer, they will soon learn thatUnited States Government Laws, in fact, protect brave people like this. Moreover, an excellent lawyer will do everything in their power to use the law and keep you safe.Whistleblowers areprotected from retaliation from the entity they blew the whistle on. There are many reasons a whistleblower could come forward. It could be because they have witnessed illegal activity, or were forced to also partake, and can’t go through with it anymore. Either way, we here at Reynal Law take your claim very seriously and put your personal safety first.

Experience In This Cases Goes A Long Ways

Renal Law understands that to win these cases; the attorney has to have a vast amount of experience with cases like this as they can sometimes get high publicized and have a lot of moving parts. We also realized some of our clients have families with children who go to local schools. We believe in privacy and do our best to keep your family out of the picture so they can continue with their everyday lives until this ordeal is behind you and them.

There are many laws governing and protecting the whistleblower, and a law firm who knows how these laws work can be your single greatest weapon in this fight. With a thorough knowledge of the Whistleblowers and the False Claims Acts, respectfully, our team here at Reynal Law put your needs, morals, and ethics first.

Never assume since you know some of the law, that you can single-handedly go head-to-head with a government entity or a large corporation alone. Contact us, the localwhistleblowerattorneys here at Reynal Law even if you think you may have a case. The conversation will always be confidential and free.

Please Give Us A Call Today 

(713) 227-4444

Drive Hammered, Get Nailed: What to do in the case of a DWI

 Are you facing DWI charges or know someone who is? There are a few tips that can be of great assistance for individuals who are facing their first DWI charge and need help navigating the system. From the original incident to the final court procedures having a DWI lawyer in Houston, your own or one that is court-appointed, can be immensely helpful.

First, understanding your state’s laws is important for knowing what your options are in the case of a DWI conviction. In Texas, if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 they are considered to be driving under the influence. Although a driver may not feel drunk, every drink they’ve had has contributed to their blood alcohol concentration over the course of the evening before they get behind the wheel. Individuals have to know their individual tolerance for alcohol, but also realize that the more alcohol they consume in a shorter period will raise their BAC higher than if they had a few drinks over a longer period of time.

 DWI can also refer to other drugs, not just alcohol. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair some people’s ability to drive and could post serious harm to others if they get behind the wheel. If someone is driving under the influence with others in the vehicle, they can be charged with endangerment for adults or minors, if there are children under the age of 15 in the car with them.

 DWI punishments vary based on the number of convictions a person may have had up to the point where there are stopped again. For a first offense a fine will likely be paid (this can be up to $2,000), jail time up to 180 days, suspension or loss of a driver’s license for up to a year, and an annual fee paid to keep a driver’s license after a DWI conviction. A second offense doubles the potential fine of $4,000 while the minimum jail time is increased to at least one month. There is also an annual fee to retain a driver’s license after a second offense.

A third DWI conviction could mean a fine of $10,000, between 2-10 years in prison, suspension of a driver’s license for two years, and an annual fee once that license has been reinstated. After the second DWI, an ignition device can be placed in the car that prevents the driver from starting the vehicle if they register any signs of intoxication or alcohol use.

  

Finding a DWI lawyer in Houston can mean a decrease in court fines, jail time, or a minimization of the overall sentence that a person might face. An experienced DWI lawyer can help explain the ins and outs of the system to those who may not be familiar with it; navigating the Texas court system for the first time can be overwhelming and confusing. For many a DWI is an isolated incident, a mistake they very much regret and don’t intend on repeating. With the right Houston DWI lawyer, a DWI conviction isn’t the end of the world.