Aerospace

What is the Aerospace industry?

The aerospace industry encompasses manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, missiles, material and related components, equipment, services and information technology. Basically, companies in this field engage in research, design, manufacturing, operation and maintenance of vehicles that move through air and space. In most industrial countries, the aerospace industry is a cooperation of public and private industries.

What is aerospace fraud?

When an individual or company acting as a defense contractor knowingly deceives the government in order to receive personal benefit, usually financial, this is fraud and a violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). In 1863, Congress enacted the False Claims Act (also called the “Lincoln Law”) to hold individuals and companies responsible when they defraud governmental programs.

Types of fraud that may occur in the aerospace industry include:

• Deliberately inflating prices on contracts
• Failing to meet the specifications required by the contract
• Supplying defective or inferior parts or goods

There is a part of the False Claims Act that is known as the “whistleblower protection” provision. This provision ensures that if you are fired, demoted, suspended, threatened or discriminated against in any other way by an employer as a result of your filing a report of fraud, that you will be reinstated to your former position. This includes receiving any seniority that may have been affected, as well as back pay, interest and other compensation that may be due as a result of damages or losses you suffered as a result of filing a claim.

What can I do?

If you feel you have a claim, our attorneys would like to talk to you. You may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.