What percentage of the government's total award can a relator receive if the DOJ intervenes in a qui tam action?

In a qui tam action where the Department of Justice (DOJ) intervenes, the relator (the whistleblower) may receive a percentage of the funds recovered by the government. When the DOJ is involved in the case, the relator is entitled to a share of the recovery that can range from 15% to 25% of the total award. This percentage recognizes the contribution of the relator in bringing the fraud to light while ensuring that the reward is substantial enough to incentivize individuals to report wrongdoing.

This structure of compensation serves dual purposes: it encourages whistleblowers to come forward with information that can lead to the recovery of public funds and also aligns the financial interests of the relator with that of the government. The range of 15-25% is specifically codified in the False Claims Act, emphasizing the important role relators play in combating fraud against the federal government.