Worker's Compensation Fraud: How to Identify & Handle

Louisiana workers' compensation covers the financial support of workers should they be injured while on the job. The point of workers' compensation is to support workers so they can recover, get back to work quickly, and not face a mountain of debt from medical bills from an injury out of their control.  

Workers' compensation coverage is valuable and necessary, but there are ways that employees can take advantage of the system. Fraudulent Worker’s Compensation claims drive up premiums and cost employers substantially each year. To reduce this, knowing how to identify and handle workers' compensation fraud is essential.

If you suspect a claimant is engaged in workers' compensation fraud, contact a workers' compensation attorney like us at Montiel Hodge today.

Identifying Workers Compensation Fraud

There are a few ways to identify fraud regarding workers' compensation claims, all involving being observant and vigilant.

Here are some typical signs of fraudulent workers' compensation claims:

 ●      If an employee’s story shifts or changes over time in comparison to what they initially reported

●      If the security footage at your place of business does not line up with what the employee reported

●      Surveillance after the accident

●      If either,
a) there are no witnesses to what your employee is alleging
or
b) the witness statement(s) is different from what the employee has reported

 An excellent way to reduce the risk of fraud is to enact reporting and investigative procedures, which quickly identify whether a claim is legitimate.

Handling Workers’ Compensation Fraud

If you have identified a case of workers' compensation fraud, the next step is knowing how to respond. Handling it involves:

 ●      Conducting a thorough investigation

●      Taking a recorded statement

●      Identifying relevant documents and preserving evidence of the fraudulent conduct

If you identify a fraudulent worker’s compensation claim, contact us. We have successfully litigated many fraud claims and recovered improperly paid benefits on behalf of Louisiana employers.

Getting Help

 Your business can have severe consequences if an employee commits workers' compensation fraud. Get in touch with a workers' compensation lawyer at Montiel Hodge today to protect your livelihood.