Chilivis Grubman Settles False Claims Act Suit Mid-Trial

On Friday, November 4, 2022, less than one week into a scheduled three-week trial, the attorneys at Chilivis Grubman, along with esteemed co-counsel, settled a lawsuit brought by Rebecca Hockaday (“Hockaday”) against firm client Athens Orthopedic Clinic (“AOC”), affiliated entities, and individual physicians. 

Hockaday filed a False Claims Act suit against the defendants in 2015 after she resigned as Chief Operating Officer of AOC. She alleged that AOC and several physicians had violated the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Stark Law for a variety of reasons, primarily stemming from alleged over-billing to the government for claims reimbursement and from entering into prohibited agreements for ancillary services.  

From the outset, the entities and the physicians disputed Hockaday’s accusations. Led by partners Scott Grubman, Lauren Warner, and Brittany Cambre, with assistance from associates Jacquelyn Thomas and Brandi Murrain, the attorneys at Chilivis Grubman zealously represented and defended AOC and the other defendants. Co-counsel for the individual physicians similarly zealously represented and defended against these allegations. 

Trial commenced on Monday, October 31, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Athens Division, in front of Judge Clay Land. By Friday, the parties had reached a confidential settlement.

The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection with civil healthcare fraud and government investigations. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.