If you have filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits or you are receiving benefits for lost wages or medical care, workers’ compensation insurance carriers will frequently “check up on you” by sending you forms for updated information. These forms ask if you are receiving any other benefits or working.
As with any type of document, these forms need to be filled out truthfully and accurately. Anyone receiving these documents should avoid entering any information which could be perceived as an attempt to mislead the insurance company.
These forms state quite clearly that fraudulent, inaccurate, or misleading information could be used against the injured worker.
Recently, an injured worker was receiving a salary while receiving workers’ compensation benefits at the same time. He misled the insurance company and withheld this information. Not only was he charged with a crime, but he was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $80,000.
Workers’ compensation fraud is what makes it difficult for us in our battles with the insurance company. The insurance companies are of a mindset of suspicion on all claims even the legitimate claims of our hard-working clients.
If you receive any of these forms, we would be happy to discuss them with you. We urge you to share all relevant and accurate information with your insurance carrier to avoid any misunderstandings or problems. Abes Baumann attorneys can help you with your workers’ compensation problems in Pennsylvania.