Crackdown on Workers Comp Fraud Leads to 18 Arrests

According to information from the State Department of Financial Services, the arrests include people who continued to be employed after claiming they were disabled, faked injuries to collect payments and one woman who cashed the checks of her deceased husband.

Superintendent of DFS Benjamin Lawsky noted the arrests were the latest attempt to save employers money by reeling in workers comp fraud.

“Workers compensation fraud is a serious crime that victimizes honest businesses and taxpayers who are forced to shoulder the burden of higher premiums. Strong anti-fraud activities complement the state’s ongoing work to drive down the cost of workers’ compensation insurance,” Lawsky remarked. [WCx]

The arrests were the result of a series of joint investigations led by DFS, along with the Office of the Inspector General of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, the New York State Insurance Fund and other insurers. All of those taken into custody are innocent until proven guilty.

Florida Man Handed Workers Comp Arrest

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater recently announced the arrest of a North Port man as a result of a fraudulent workers compensation claim.

Jovan Bokun was arrested by detectives from the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud and charged with workers comp fraud and grand theft after an investigation revealed that he submitted false insurance claim information regarding his physical capabilities. This false claim allowed him to collect more than $34,000 over a 5-year period in fraudulent workers comp benefits.

Bokun injured his left wrist while working as a general laborer. Bokun’s employer, Parker Hannifin Corporation, filed a workers comp claim with Underwriters, Safety and Claims Insurance on his behalf. Bokun misrepresented the extent of his injury and was subsequently captured on surveillance video using his injured hand to lift heavy objects.

It was determined that Bokun made false statements regarding his physical capabilities; Bokun had no work restrictions as previously asserted. Bokun was booked into the Sarasota County Jail. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. [WCx]