Los Angeles Home Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyer
At The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, our healthcare fraud defense legal practice includes defending clients against allegations of home healthcare fraud, a serious offense often prosecuted under the high stakes of the False Claims Act. With unique insights gained from Mr. Friedman’s background as an Assistant United States Attorney (federal prosecutor) in Los Angeles focusing on healthcare and financial fraud, we are adept at navigating the complexities of healthcare and financial fraud cases, including home healthcare fraud. If you find yourself accused of committing fraud in this area, getting advice and representation from a skilled and knowledgeable defense attorney is crucial to keeping your medical license, keeping the doors of your practice open, and avoiding tens of thousands of dollars in fines and financial penalties. Contact our experienced Los Angeles white collar criminal defense lawyer today.
The False Claims Act: A Formidable Tool Wielded in Allegations of Home Healthcare Fraud
The False Claims Act (FCA), a vital tool in the U.S. government’s arsenal against fraud, holds individuals and companies liable for defrauding government programs. Under the FCA, healthcare providers can face severe penalties for submitting false claims to government healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
In the context of home healthcare fraud, the FCA can be implicated based on several different allegedly fraudulent behaviors, including:
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False Billing: This includes charging for services not provided, overbilling, or billing for unnecessary services.
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Certification Misconduct: Falsely certifying a patient as homebound to qualify for home healthcare services.
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Kickbacks and Illegal Referrals: Violating the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Consequences of Violating the False Claims Act
Violations of the FCA can result in substantial financial penalties. Penalties that started out in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per violation have been steadily rising over the years and now surpass more than $10,000 to over $20,000 per violation. In addition, the government can seek a treble damages award (three times the amount of the government’s loss) and additional fines per false claim. Besides financial repercussions, professionals can face reputational damage, loss of medical licenses, exclusion from government programs, and potential criminal charges.
How We Defend Against Home Healthcare Fraud Allegations
At The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, our approach to defending against home healthcare fraud allegations is comprehensive and strategic. We analyze every aspect of the case, from the initial audit or investigation to the final resolution, ensuring that our clients receive a robust defense. Our defense strategies include:
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Thorough Investigation: We meticulously review all documentation and evidence to challenge the government’s allegations.
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Expert Witnesses: Utilizing medical and financial experts to dispute claims of unnecessary services or false certifications.
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Negotiation and Litigation: Leveraging Mr. Friedman’s extensive experience, we negotiate effectively with prosecutors and are prepared to litigate aggressively in court.
Choosing the right legal representation is critical in cases of home healthcare fraud. With Stanley L. Friedman’s unique background and our firm’s focus on healthcare and financial fraud defense, clients can trust in our ability to navigate complex cases like allegations of home healthcare fraud. Our deep understanding of both prosecution and defense tactics positions us uniquely to advocate effectively for our clients. Our commitment to our clients provides all the reasons you need to choose our firm when defending against charges of home healthcare fraud in Los Angeles.
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Personalized Attention: Every case is unique, and we provide tailored strategies to meet the specific needs of our clients.
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Proven Record of Success: Our extensive experience in handling FCA cases equips us to take on the most challenging cases.
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Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients’ interests, aiming to mitigate the impact of these serious allegations on their professional and personal lives.
Contact the Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman for Zealous and Effective Home Healthcare Fraud Defense in Los Angeles
Facing allegations of home healthcare fraud under the False Claims Act can be daunting, and the stakes are high. At The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, we stand ready to defend and guide you through every step of this complex legal process. Contact us today for a consultation and safeguard your rights with a lawyer who understands the intricacies of healthcare fraud defense.