
Healthcare fraud investigations can move quickly and result in your life being forever changed. Both patients and medical professionals may face this intense scrutiny if evidence of fraud is present. Anyone found guilty could lose money, their profession, their reputation, future opportunities, and years of their life. But with a Camden healthcare fraud lawyer, you can fight these charges and protect your rights.
While government agencies may act aggressively when they assume evidence of wrongdoing, our firm takes an equally aggressive approach when it comes to defending our clients. LGR Law, LLC, brings a talented team of legal professionals whose experience and insight can serve you well even in intense, high-profile cases. Our detailed understanding of healthcare fraud laws, coupled with our dedication to client satisfaction, positions our firm as a valuable legal resource you can rely on.
Healthcare fraud is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The law seeks to punish anyone who knowingly or willfully enacts a scheme or artifice to defraud any healthcare benefit program. This accused is usually alleged to have used illegal activities or false information to obtain money, property, services, or other resources from healthcare benefit programs.
Punishments can include:
Individuals may also face fines of up to $250,000, while organizations can see fines of up to $500,000. Additional punishments could include the suspension or revocation of a medical license for healthcare professionals or exclusion from programs like Medicare or Medicaid for providers and patients alike.
We fight for your rights and protect your freedom when you are threatened or charged with a federal crime.
When you hire a Camden healthcare fraud attorney from our firm, we can work with you to build a solid, ethical defense and pursue the most favorable outcome possible for your circumstances. This starts with understanding your charge and gathering evidence. This could include records of your practice if you’re a physician, or documents showing program or prescription eligibility if you’re a patient.
We can also advise you on how to respond to questions as your case progresses. A Camden healthcare fraud case will typically be heard by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on Walnut Street in Newark. Some cases may take more than one meeting, as additional evidence may be needed or counterarguments may be presented. We can stand by your side all the way until the final verdict and offer helpful legal insight every step of the way.
New Jersey authorities take fraud very seriously because these actions take valuable resources from the programs that many people rely on. For example, last year, over 1.85 million residents were using the NJ FamilyCare program. Other programs are scrutinized for fraud as well. About $120 million in wrongful or incorrect Medicaid payments was recovered in a single fiscal year
While healthcare fraud can harm programs and potentially impact patient outcomes, an accusation alone does not equal guilt. A person who is accused may face stress, professional troubles, reputation damage, and monetary losses, all of which can cause health risks of their own. When you hire a healthcare fraud lawyer from our firm, we can help you navigate these struggles with clarity and confidence.
It is possible to be accused of healthcare fraud due to an error or misunderstanding. While fraud is an action taken knowingly and willingly, simple mistakes, such as paperwork or administrative errors, can be flagged as evidence of criminal conduct and trigger an investigation. In 2024, about 90% of people accused of healthcare fraud had no prior criminal history, suggesting the potential for mistakes that led to charges.
It is not recommended to try to talk your way out of a healthcare fraud charge. While someone who is accused may think the issue is a mistake, speaking to investigators without legal counsel present can lead to self-incrimination, potentially strengthening the case against you. As soon as you are accused, it is highly recommended to speak with a qualified legal professional.
A healthcare fraud charge could affect your healthcare career in many ways. Even if you are only charged but never convicted, the mere presence of accusations and an investigation can cause medical boards and organizations to take action, at their own discretion. Even those who get to keep their jobs may be subject to probation, fines, monitoring, work restrictions, or mandatory compliance training.
Early legal representation is very important in healthcare fraud cases because investigations can move fast. By the time you’re contacted by an organization investigating you, they’ve likely already started building a case with billing and claims data, internal reports, witness testimonies, and more. By reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible, you can counter with a defense that’s just as strong and increase your chances of a more favorable outcome.
When you’re facing investigations from the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, or any other similar organization for healthcare fraud, it can be highly intimidating. You may feel that your access to medical programs, your career, and your freedom are all slipping away
At LGR Law, LLC, we build strong defenses thanks to an abundance of case-specific experience. Our team knows how these cases usually go, and we can support you from start to finish.
With decades of experience, over 1,000 criminal cases handled, and plenty of accolades demonstrating quality service, our law firm is a trusted resource that can instill confidence in you. Even in the face of serious charges like these, you can take comfort knowing that our talented team of professionals can pursue every legal option to clear your name, protect your rights, and help you move on with your life. To get started, contact us today.
