Workers’ compensation fraud refers to a situation where someone deliberately provides false or misleading information in order to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. This can take a variety of forms, including:
- Falsifying the circumstances of an injury: Claiming that an injury occurred on the job when it actually occurred elsewhere, or exaggerating the severity of an injury.
- Concealing pre-existing conditions: Failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition that may have contributed to an injury or illness.
- Failing to report a return to work: Continuing to collect workers’ compensation benefits while working elsewhere, or failing to report a return to work.
- Misrepresenting wages: Claiming to have earned a higher wage than was actually the case in order to receive higher benefits.
- Misrepresenting treatment: Falsifying treatment records or receiving unnecessary treatment in order to receive benefits.
Workers’ compensation fraud is a serious crime that can result in criminal charges and fines. It’s important to be honest when reporting an injury or seeking benefits, as providing false or misleading information can jeopardize your ability to receive the benefits you need and may result in legal consequences.