Legal Case Summary

US ex rel. Benjamin Carter v. Halliburton Company


Date Argued: Wed Mar 22 2017
Case Number: 16-1262
Docket Number: 4620983
Judges:G. Steven Agee, James A. Wynn Jr., Henry F. Floyd
Duration: 49 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: U.S. ex rel. Benjamin Carter v. Halliburton Company, Docket No. 4620983** **Court:** United States District Court **Date:** [Specific date of the decision] **Plaintiff:** Benjamin Carter, relator **Defendant:** Halliburton Company **Overview:** The case of U.S. ex rel. Benjamin Carter v. Halliburton Company involves a whistleblower lawsuit brought under the False Claims Act (FCA). Benjamin Carter, a former employee of Halliburton, alleged that the company engaged in fraudulent activities related to government contracts. **Facts:** - Benjamin Carter worked in a capacity that allowed him insight into Halliburton’s operations and contract management. - Carter claimed that Halliburton knowingly submitted false claims for payment to the government by overstating costs, providing substandard services, and failing to meet contractual obligations. - The relator contended that these actions not only violated the terms of the contracts but also constituted fraud against the United States. **Claims:** Carter’s claims centered on violations of the False Claims Act, asserting that Halliburton: 1. Submitted false claims for payment to the federal government. 2. Engaged in false representations regarding the quality and cost of services rendered. 3. Failed to disclose non-compliance with contract requirements, inducing the government to pay for services that were not rendered as promised. **Legal Standards:** Under the False Claims Act, a whistleblower or relator can bring a suit on behalf of the government if they have evidence that the defendant knowingly submitted false claims for payment. The relator may seek a share of any recovery that results from the lawsuit. **Outcome:** The exact outcome of the case would depend on various factors including the evidence presented, the court's findings on Halliburton's liability, and the decision on any possible settlements or judgments. As of the last available update, the case status should be checked in legal databases for recent developments, including any appeals or settlements. **Significance:** This case highlights issues relating to corporate accountability, particularly in the defense contracting sector. It underscores the importance of the False Claims Act as a tool for individuals to report fraudulent activities that harm the government and, by extension, taxpayers. **Conclusion:** U.S. ex rel. Benjamin Carter v. Halliburton Company serves as a pertinent example of the legal mechanisms available for whistleblowers to challenge perceived injustices within large corporations, emphasizing the ongoing battle against fraud in government contracting. Further details would be needed for a complete analysis of the case outcome and implications. (Note: Specific dates, legal rulings, and case updates should be confirmed against legal databases or court records for accuracy.)

US ex rel. Benjamin Carter v. Halliburton Company


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