Member Articles
DOJ Clarifies Guidelines on Settling Cases Based on Ability to Pay
Related Articles inFinancial Services | Corporate & Business
More Financial Services | Corporate & Business Aricles → Latest Firm's PressWaller In early September, the Department of Justice issued additional guidance that the Commercial Litigation Branch can consider when settling cases for less than the full amount of the claim based on the defendant’s inability to pay. Under its statutory authority, the Civil Division has the ability to settle claims for less when an entity offers the maximum amount that it is able to pay and the federal government is acting as plaintiff. This new guidance is particularly relevant for cases brought by the DOJ pursuant to the False Claims Act (“FCA”). Because the FCA provides for treble damages, and because the DOJ often asserts tainted-claim theories of damages, the government’s demands in these cases can often far outstrip the ability of even the most well-funded defendant to pay. The entity asserting that it is unable to pay has always borne the burden of proving its inability to pay and explaining why a higher amount would constitute an undue financial hardship. If an entity makes an assertion of an inability to pay, DOJ will analyze numerous factors in light of the entity’s financial circumstances. Initially, the entity must complete the Division’s certified Financial Disclosure Form, and provide any documentation requested by the Division, such as tax returns, audited financial statements and access to appropriate personnel. This new guidance, signed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Ethan P. Davis, highlights specific areas that the Department will focus on these reviews, including:
This new memo also emphasizes that any reduced amount is subject to the approval process provided for by statute.
|
Related Articles in
Financial Services | Corporate & Business
- Winding-Up a Company: It Now Takes More to Wind-Up a Company, in the Same Amount of Time
January, 2021 - 2021 Predictions: What’s on the Horizon for Construction?
January, 2021 - The Regulatory Sprint is Over - What’s at the Finish Line Under the New Stark and AKS Final Rules?
January, 2021 - Bitesize: Freeports – Joint Ventures
January, 2021
More Financial Services | Corporate & Business Aricles →
Latest Firm's Press
Waller