Content Reviewed by:
Tucker Clagett •
January.28.2020
Vertified Content
Jan 28, 2020
| Read Time: 2 minutes
But sometimes, a workers’ comp fraud case is so funny it gets in the news. Today, there is a report out of California about a woman on workers’ comp from her grocery store job. She had a broken toe, and claimed she could not stand up, or even wear shoes.
Well it turns out she had a miraculous recovery when she competed in beauty pageants wearing high heeled shoes and strutting down the catwalk. Oops! And of course, those events were recorded for Youtube, and she bragged about her competitions on social media. She is now charged with the crime of workers’ comp fraud.
If the insurance company thinks you are scamming the system, they will send private investigators to take some video of you. Most of the time, they will cut off your benefits and that is that. At a hearing, they show the tape, you will leave embarrassed, and quickly settle your comp claim. But if your fraud is particularly egregious, they can refer you to the local State’s Attorney’s office for criminal charges.
That happened to one of my clients once, but the adjuster was waaaayyyy out of line in bringing the charges in that particular case. We proved it to the Workers’ Comp Commission, and the State’s Attorney dismissed the criminal charges over the insurance companies objections.
But if you do something really stupid – newsworthy stupid – I am sure they won’t hesitate to make an example out of you. That is what it seems is happening to this woman in the news today. She is the example case for all the world to see, and talk about. And let’s be honest – laugh at.
Next Steps
Want to know more? Discover what you need to know about workers’ compensation in Maryland. Click here to see our Free Legal Consumer Guide to Maryland Workers’ Compensation and get answers to your questions today. Know your options. Be informed. Protect yourself.
Need a workers’ compensation attorney? Please contact us for a consultation today if you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Waldorf and Lexington Park for your legal case.
Like our blog? Subscribe to our email newsletter and stay informed!