Illinois Department of Insurance Deputy Director of Investigations William Blumthal, Jr. provided an update about their agency’s efforts to battle workers’ compensation insurance fraud. His comments came at the 2016 Illinois Self Insurers’ Association 38th Annual educational seminar and membership meeting on Saturday, October 15.
According to Blumthal, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud believes there is around $80 billion in insurance fraud every year, with 8% of the claims submitted for insurance fraud investigation accounting for workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation fraud can be characterized as any fraudulent statement that was made in an attempt to gain benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Technically, engaging in activities that are beyond someone’s work restrictions does not in itself constitute fraud. However, false statements that cause unnecessary work restrictions can be the basis for fraud charges. Employers can also be found guilty of fraud when they prepare a false or counterfeit certificate of insurance as proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
Discuss your workers’ compensation benefits case with our attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C., who provide legal services in Champaign and other areas in Illinois, by calling our offices today at (217) 328-2828.
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