Avoid Workers Compensation Fraud - Be Honest and Up Front

Workers compensation insurance is meant to help pay for costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. Unfortunately, not all employees (and not all employers) act with integrity when injuries and illnesses occur. By taking the high road and making wise choices, you can help eliminate unreported incidents and fraudulent claims.

If you are an employee and you are injured at work or become sick because of something in the workplace, you need to report it to your employer. Seek out your immediate supervisor and make him (or her) aware of your situation as soon as possible after it occurs. Obviously, if your sickness or injury needs immediate medical attention, you should seek care and discuss the situation with your supervisor following treatment. Your supervisor will be able to point you in the right direction regarding filing a workers compensation claim. It is imperative that the specific laws for your state are followed.

Employers have a specific responsibility to their employees when it comes to reporting injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Neglecting to adequately file a claim or inform your employee of their rights may be a violation of worker's compensation laws in your state. You may want to consult an attorney about your obligations to make sure that you are meeting the requirements and not missing any important details or nuances in the law.

Whether you are an employee or an employer, it is imperative to avoid the temptation to dodge the law or file fraudulent worker's compensation claims. As an employer, neglecting to report workplace injuries and illnesses may result in legal action against the company or even against you personally. If you are an employee, filing fraudulent claims (faking an injury or illness, or working another job while collecting payments) is against the law and goes against the principles upon which these laws were written.

There may be times during your career where you suspect someone of committing this type of fraud. If you suspect that someone you work with or work for is partaking in some sort of fraudulent activity, you should confront them about it. A coworker who is submitting false reports should be turned in to the direct supervisor. If your supervisor is the one you suspect of this type of activity, go to their supervisor. But what should you do if you are the injured or sick employee and your employer will not report the case? Or, what if you are the employee and your worker is filing improper claims?

It is in your best interests to contact a worker's compensation lawyer and find out what your rights are. If you have a case to be made, this type of attorney can work with you to see that you get the help you need and are entitled to.

These types of cases are rarely solved without some sort of legal intervention, so choose wisely and get the help you need and deserve.