Creating a Strong Defense for Your Fraud Charges
In California, Workers' Compensation Fraud can be alleged against individuals who are suspected of filing false worker's compensation claims or employers who fail to pay the requisite worker's compensation premiums. California first established a Workers' Compensation Fraud Program in 1991, making the charges a felony. The fraud division reports about 5,000 cases of workers' compensation fraud annually with losses in the tens of millions of dollars. To combat Workers' Compensation allegations, California has partnered with county prosecutors to help investigate the suspected fraud. County prosecutors file more than 80 percent of cases they investigate, making it a very aggressive white collar eradication effort.
Let our Workers' Compensation fraud attorneys help you! Call the Law Office of Pilchman & Kay, A Professional Law Corporation, at (949) 558-0042 for a free, confidential consultation.
Common Charges for Employees in California
Filing false claims for injuries allegedly sustained on the job, or exaggerating injuries, is the primary employee based workers' compensation fraud investigated in California. California has specialized investigative units that conduct surveillance on those individuals who are suspected of committing insurance fraud. Those charged with crimes are usually charged with felonies due to the amount alleged to have been illegally received.
Types of Employer-Related Workers' Compensation Fraud
For employers, the most common charges for Workers' Compensation fraud is the misclassification of Workers' Compensation Premiums. It is unlawful for employers to misclassify premiums in order to gain a financial advantage.
The two most common types of employer-related worker compensation fraud are:
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
- Misclassifying employees from high-risk to low-risk jobs
Research indicates that 10-20 percent of businesses misclassify at least one worker as an independent contractor (Economic Policy Institute Briefing Paper #403, June 8, 2015).
Accused or Investigated for Workers' Compensation Fraud? Call Us!
The Law Office of Pilchman & Kay, A Professional Law Corporation, has two of the most renowned fraud crimes attorneys in Irvine to help you with your case. We have successfully handled countless similar cases and can aggressively represent you in or out of court. Our firm has the resources to craft strong defense strategies to help you obtain the most favorable outcome for your case.
Contact (949) 558-0042 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today!