Former Officer Charged With Alleged Employee Fraud

Business owners in California secure workers’ compensation insurance to ensure their workers can get appropriate financial aid when they suffer the effects of workplace accidents. While most employees pursue legal claims for benefits, some may file fraudulent claims for nonexistent injuries or exaggerate the severity of injuries. Professionals with the experience to weed out employee fraud may be a valuable asset to any company.

A former police officer in another state was recently arrested for several felony offenses, including workers’ compensation fraud and perjury. The potential sentence if he is convicted may result in 20 years behind bars. An investigation was reportedly launched upon the filing of a complaint by the insurance provider for the municipality where the man worked. According to the injury claim he filed, the man claimed to have suffered workplace injuries in July.

The severity of the injuries was declared to prevent the fulfillment of duties generally expected of a police officer. In, fact, he apparently claimed that he was not even able to drive his car. However, the arrest warrant indicates that the man was observed lifting weights at a fitness center during the time that he claimed to be debilitated. In the meantime, his employer continued to pay him his regular salary.

This case was reported in another state, but similar incidents happen in California. A workers’ compensation attorney who is experienced in protecting the interests of employers in cases of employee fraud can likely save a company a significant amount of money. Misrepresented and exaggerated injuries are but some of the methods used to defraud employers and insurance providers.

Source: Bethwood, Ct. Patch, “Woodbridge Man Charged with Workers’ Compensation Fraud, Perjury“, Brian McCready, Dec. 22, 2015