Dec 142021
Analyzing FCA Materiality Defense Outcomes Under Escobar
Since the Supreme Court in Escobar stated that continued payment by the government is “very strong evidence” that the alleged violations are not “material” under the False Claims Act (“FCA”), courts have grappled with how much weight the government’s continued payment should be accorded when assessing “materiality.” Courts have adopted varying approaches, with no obvious majority position. (more…)
Feb 162021
Courts Continue to Diverge on How Post-Complaint Government Conduct Affects Materiality Analysis Under Escobar
Two recent decisions by district courts in the Third Circuit illustrate the continued divide among courts regarding the extent to which the government’s declination decision bears on the materiality analysis set forth in Escobar and also underscore the challenges defendants can face in defeating materiality at the motion to dismiss stage.