Parker Waichman LLP

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear KBR Whistleblower Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it would hear Kellogg, Brown & Root’s appeal of a whistleblower case filed by a former employee who accused the contractor of defrauding the U.S. government over work it did in Iraq. Benjamin Carter worked for KBR in Iraq as a water purification operator. He sued the […]

supreme_court_to_hear_whistleblower_caseThe U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it would hear Kellogg, Brown & Root’s appeal of a whistleblower case filed by a former employee who accused the contractor of defrauding the U.S. government over work it did in Iraq.

Benjamin Carter worked for KBR in Iraq as a water purification operator. He sued the company first in 2006 under the federal False Claims Act, which allows individuals to sue on behalf of the government and claim a portion of the proceeds if the case is successful, Reuters reports. Congress passed the False Claims Act during the Civil War to punish war profiteers.  The False Claims Act is a major tool for fighting fraud against the government and many claims involve health care and military programs.

Carter’s suit said that KBR billed the government for water purification services at two sites in early 2005, though it did not actually begin providing those services until May 2005, according to Reuters. The suit also names Halliburton Co., then KBR’s parent company, as a defendant. KBR appealed to the Supreme Court after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Carter in March 2013.

The legal fight in this case involves in part the Wartime Suspension of Limitations Act, which extends the deadlines for lawsuits when the U.S. is at war, Bloomberg News reports. The companies say the appeals court’s reasoning would mean that the deadline won’t occur until years after the president or Congress formally terminates the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. KBR appealed a ruling in favor of Carter from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Oral arguments in the case will be made during the court’s next term, which begins in October, Reuters reports. A decision would come by June 2015, when the term ends. The case is KBR v. United States, U.S. Supreme Court, No. 12-1497.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel very grateful and happy with the service I received from the Parker Waichman LLP office. The process was very fast and effective. Thanks to Catherine Maryann and Jorge for helping me.Thank you
Hary Orellana
8 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very happy with the results. It was easy and did not take a long time. The best and it was resolved very quickly. Thanks Maryann; Aliya and Jorge for their help !
Claudio De la cruz vazquez
9 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
You guys are the best lawyer institutions i have ever know thank you for helping me so much with my case ❤️
estarlin torres
9 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038