Worker’s Compensation fraud occurs when someone knowingly makes a false representation of a material fact to obtain worker’s compensation benefits or to avoid responsibility under the law. That was the case when a Pomona woman was charged with a felony count of workers’ compensation fraud and a count of attempted perjury after an investigation by the California Department of Insurance looked into her claims. Melissa Halsell, 48, attempted to file a workers’ compensation claim for an existing injury that had previously been treated.
Halsell was working for MV Transportation for only three months when she filed a workers’ compensation claim. The California Department of Insurance launched an investigation and discovered that the claimant had previously been treated for her injuries. Halswell denied receiving that treatment in a sworn deposition, but her claim was denied after her medical records came to light. Halswell was subsequently charged for fraud and perjury.
See the press release here.
Fraudulent workers’ compensation claims are punishable by up to five years in prison and fines that total up to double the value of benefits provided to the fraudulent claim. The California Workers’ Compensation system has its flaws, but the worst course of action is to try and cheat the system. The best course of action is to seek assistance from a qualified professional law firm such as Perona, Langer, Beck and Harrison.
We help injured workers use the worker’s compensation system properly. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial assistance during medical recovery. We use our knowledge of the workers’ compensation system to make the process less burdensome on injured workers. For a free consultation, contact Perona, Langer, Beck and Harrison today at (800) 435-7542. We can help you on the road to recovery.