The Latin term”‘ex rel.” is a legal abbreviation that stands for “ex relatione,” and is used in litigation cases to indicate that the matter at hand was initiated by an individual outside of the case. Typically, ex rel. is associated with whistleblower cases, tort litigation, and False Claims Act cases initiated by whistleblowers.
Whistleblower Cases
Example: United States ex rel. Johnson v. Lockheed Martin Corp. In this case, the lawsuit was initiated by an individual from outside the parties involved – referred to as a “relator.” In the example provided, Johnson was a relator in a False Claims Act case against Lockheed Martin Corp. The government chose not to pursue the suit, but permitted Johnson to pursue a case as a “private attorney general.”
Tort Litigation
Example: Ex Rel. Pemberton v. San Antonio Water System In this case, Pemberton was pursuing a tort action against the San Antonio Water System, alleging that an underground water line ruptured causing flooding and other damage. The case claimed that the water system was aware of the condition of their underground pipes and had neglected to take action.
False Claims Act Cases Initiated by Whistleblowers
Example: United States ex rel. Maria McKee v. Health Management Systems In this case, McKee, a whistleblower, alleged that the defendant had violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for services not actually provided. The False Claims Act allows individuals to sue on behalf of the government in certain circumstances.
In all of these examples, ex rel. has been used to indicate that the lawsuits were initiated by someone outside of the relevant parties.