The length a qui tam (KEY tam) action takes can vary significantly, but most take years. For example, the time from the filing of a qui tam action until its resolution has sometimes been as many as five years or more. Oftentimes, delays are caused by time-consuming appeals. In addition, the government is required to spend at least 60 days investigating a violation during the seal period. The seal period may be further extended upon request by the government. It's not unusual for seal periods to last well over a year. Generally, however, all parties involved frequently desire a quick resolution, so some qui tam actions can be settled within a year of filing.
