Business owners in New York are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Should an employee be injured on the job, they can file a claim. Unfortunately, there are some people who like to take advantage of this and will file a fraudulent claim. When this happens, resources are depleted for the employees who have a legitimate need for workers’ compensation.
Preventing fraudulent workers’ comp claims can be tricky. That’s why it is important that you know what to look for when a claim is filed.
Common types of fraudulent workers’ comp claims
As an employer, you want to trust your employees to be truthful, and you certainly don’t want them to suffer due to a work-related injury. You also need to protect your resources. Spotting a fraudulent claim is not always easy. Here are some of the most common types of fraudulent worker’s comp claims:
- Exaggerating the extent of the injury
- Making false statements on the claim form
- Faking an injury
- Filing multiple claims by assuming fake identities
- Failing to report income in order to receive a bigger payout
- Filing a claim for an injury that occurred outside of the building
If you suspect that an employee has filed a fraudulent claim, you can investigate it by following these steps:
- Document your suspicions in writing. Keep track of anything that seems suspicious to you. A pattern may emerge in your notes that reveals your employee’s deception.
- Report your suspicions to the Office of The New York Inspector General.
- Retain council and ask them to report your concerns to your workers’ compensation insurance company.
Fighting fraudulent claims may not be easy, but it may be necessary from time to time. Seek guidance to ensure that your concerns are properly addressed.
