Contractor Settles Whistleblower Suit for $6.4 Million

Walsh Construction (“Walsh”), a large general contracting company founded in 1898, has agreed to settle a whistleblower lawsuit related to multiple construction projects it completed in Chicago. The whistleblower, Gregory Hudalla (“Hudalla”), filed the lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act nearly 7 years ago.

Hudalla, a former construction manager for Walsh, alleged that the company had overbilled the federal government more than $6 million while serving as the general contractor on 11 different federally funded housing projects in Chicago. According to the qui tam complaint, Walsh submitted falsely inflated bills from subcontractors to the federal government and pocketed the difference. Hudalla cited an example of Walsh padding a bill from a plumbing subcontractor by $257,210. The whistleblower claimed that Walsh also submitted exaggerated bills for roofing, excavation and electrical work.

Walsh has gotten a range of government work over the years including the reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway and has done major work on the runways at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Of the $6.4 million settlement amount, Hudalla will receive about $1 million as his reward under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.

If you have any firsthand knowledge, information, or evidence related to any federal, state, county or city government fraud, you should speak with an experienced qui tam lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you have a claim, contact the Florida whistleblower attorneys at Rabin Kammerer Johnson for a free and confidential consultation by calling toll free at 877.915.4040.