What to Do If an Employer Accuses You of Workers’ Comp Fraud?

Few things raise the ire of employers and employees alike quite like allegations of workers’ compensation fraud, albeit for very different reasons. Employers and insurance companies tend to focus on large-scale fraud that makes for a sensationalized story, such as the 2017 workers’ comp fraud investigation that found an Orange County couple engineered a fraud scam to the tune of $40 million.

Employees, however, know that this harsh spotlight cast on workers’ comp fraud often unfairly shifts costs from employers/insurance companies to injured workers. The overwhelming majority of workers are honest Americans who simply wish to be fairly compensated for injuries that arose during the course of employment.

This disagreement has existed in California for decades, as a Los Angeles Times article from 2000 reminded that anti-fraud sensationalism proves costly for employees, even though very little fraud is ever proven. Of all workers’ comp claims, only 1 or two percent of claims are fraudulent.

As such, many accusations of workers’ compensation fraud are unproven and untrue. If you have been accused of workers’ comp fraud, our team at The Ledger Law Firm will protect your legal rights. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have been accused of this offense.

Accusations of Filing a False Injury Claim

While fraud is a serious legal issue that should certainly lead to a denied benefits claim and potentially criminal consequences if true, remember that fraudulent claims are extremely rare. If you are legitimately injured, false actions that the injury is faked or that the claim is otherwise false should not prevent you from receiving the benefits you deserve.

Regardless of whether the employer or insurance company is the one making these untrue claims about your workers’ comp filing in Orange County, protect your right to the benefits you deserve by speaking with an Orange County workers’ comp lawyer.

Be Careful of What You Post Online

Even if you suffered a legitimate injury, be careful of what you post online. It is well-known that insurance companies will scour social media profiles to discern whether victims are laughing, enjoying life or post anything else that may be construed as a reason to doubt an injury’s legitimacy.

Don’t give them the chance to undermine your rights and argue that your workers’ comp claim is fraudulent based on social media content that can be ripped out of its proper context.

Fraud Accusations Often Require an Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are accused of fraud unjustly, you risk both losing the right to receive deserved benefits as well as criminal consequences. When you reach out to The Ledger Law Firm, we will fight for your workers’ compensation claim and can also connect you with a criminal defense attorney who will fight against any and all charges.

Contact us online today to discuss the facts of your workers’ compensation claim to take the first step toward the benefits you need after an unfair fraud accusation is levied against you.