Public and private companies and government agencies need to be aware of false worker's compensation claims that are sometimes made. Although many claims are valid, it is unfortunate that some individuals will put their jobs and reputations on the line in an attempt to collect fraudulent workers' compensation benefits.
This is the case with a 35-year-old California fireman from Costa Mesa who has been charged with workers' comp fraud after allegedly filing false claims from December of 2008 to May of 2011, collecting compensation for more than two years. The source does not list the reason behind his workers' comp filings or the injuries he alleged to have sustained.
In addition to his job as a firefighter, the man was an aspiring mixed martial arts fighter with a record of 12 victories and two losses. His compensation claims may have come into question when it was learned from his fight record that he was involved in seven fights throughout the two-year period in which he allegedly filed workers' compensation.
The martial arts fighter was arrested earlier this month at his home and charged with four felony counts of insurance fraud by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
He was released after posting $30,000 bail and his arraignment is set for May 1. If convicted as charged, it could mean that his 12th career victory on March 24 may be his last and he could face up to five years in the county jail.
If you are questioning a worker's comp claim filed by an employee, it's important to speak with an experienced workers' compensation employment defense lawyer who will take the actions necessary to protect your business from wrongdoing.
Source: ABC News, "L.A. Firefighter on Workers' Comp Was MMA fighter," Susanna Kim, April 23, 2012
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