For one Oklahoma man, getting a notice from the Attorney’s General office was not a good omen.
Attorney General Scott Pruitt filed a workers compensation fraud charge in Oklahoma County against Robert Christopher Owen, 27.
Owen was employed by Grace Living Center when he filed a claim for compensation after allegedly injuring his right shoulder while lifting a bucket.
In July 2014 Owen went to an emergency room where he received an arm sling and claimed he was not able to lift or carry anything since the incident, which occurred a week earlier.
Owen visited a doctor in August for an evaluation, that doctor said Owen guarded his right arm and shoulder limiting the examination. In October, Owen told another doctor it still hurt to elevate his right arm and could not use his right shoulder at all.
An investigation revealed Owen performing what appeared to be construction work such as lifting a large bucket and ladder as well as using a power-saw for an extended period of time. He was also observed pushing a lawn mower, using his right arm to pull the start cord and at times pushing the mower with just his right arm.
Doctor Didn’t Agree with Defendant
The doctor confirmed Owen was able to perform all the activities he had previously said he could not perform.
Owen is charged with one count of workers comp fraud.
If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison and pay a fine of up to $1,000.
The Workers Compensation, Social Security and Insurance Fraud Unit investigates and prosecutes fraud on the part of claimants, doctors, attorneys and insurance companies. The unit also provides education and training about workers comp fraud.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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