The Dangers Of Workers' Compensation Fraud

We live in a dangerous world, and threats oftentimes come from the workplace where we spend the bulk of our time which is why it is necessary to be covered for workers' compensation benefits should dangers arise.

Workers' comp is a vital social safety net protecting workers for everything from unsafe working conditions to repetitive stress disorders to simple slip and fall accidents. However, there are false claims that present a number of dangers that include weakening faith in the system, driving up business costs, as well as legal and financial penalties should the fraud be revealed.

What Is Workers Comp Fraud?

Workers compensation fraud comes in many guises, but at the heart of the fraud is a misrepresentation of injuries and medical conditions designed with the intent of something for nothing. While we tend to think of the unscrupulous worker unwilling to work being at the heart of workers' compensation fraud cases, the reality is quite different.

According to the New York State Workers Compensation Board, fraud claims can include:

• Fraud by individual workers
• Fraud by employers seeking to avoid paying 
• Fraud by professionals, like doctors, and lawyers, seeking to facilitate workers' compensation fraud
• Fraud by government workers

A recent 2017 fraud case emanating from California witnessed a complex scheme orchestrated by more than two dozen doctors, several pharmaceuticals, and business leaders to milk the system of more than $40 million. What would compel people to take that risk?

Workers' Compensation Fraud Penalties

While it might be tempting at the time to commit fraud with your workers' compensation, there are penalties when you are caught. Some of those penalties depending on the severity of the fraud committed and the overall financial impact can include:

• Fines for minor cases
• Close to a year in jail for misdemeanor convictions 
• Up to thirty years in jail for felony convictions

It is not worth it committing workers' compensation. It is always advisable to go through the proper legal channels to get help for your workers' compensation benefits.


Were you or a loved one injured while working?

Contact us at one of our offices:

White Plains
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
120 Bloomingdale Rd #401
White Plains, NY 10605
914-946-1452

Brooklyn
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
186 Joralemon St. #701a
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-509-3599

Long Island
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
1778 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
516-267-6873

NYC
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
1825 Park Ave #901
New York, NY 10035
212-897-9004