A person who violates section 189 of the New York False Claims Act shall be liable for the costs, including attorneys' fees, of a civil action brought to recover penalties or damages. Such person shall pay all costs borne by the State, a local government, a qui tam plaintiff, or counsel, as may be applicable. All such costs shall be awarded directly against the defendant and shall not be charged from the proceeds, but shall only be awarded if the State, local government or a qui tam plaintiff prevails in the action.
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 13 § 400.8