An Attleboro man has been indicted on charges that he fraudulently collected more than $53,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while continuing to work. A fifty-seven year old male is charged with workers’ compensation fraud and larceny over $250.Attorney General Martha Coakley stated, “We allege the defendant collected workers’ compensation benefits while working in violation of the law. These benefits are essential to helping individuals that are unable to work as the result of work-related injuries.”
This man suffered a work-related injury in 2005, while he was working on a construction site, and he was eligible to receive temporary total disability benefits from his employer’s insurance company from June 2007 through February 2009.
In June 2008, AIG received an anonymous tip that he was working as a subcontractor in Rhode Island, while still collecting his workers’ compensation benefits. He also signed employee earnings reports during this time that stated he did not receive any income while he was also working as a subcontractor.
Authorities allege he earned more than $62,000 between April 2007 and November 2008 while working as a subcontractor and collecting benefits. He has been indicted, and will be arraigned at a later date.
The executive director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau said, “This type of insurance fraud, working while collecting workers’ comp, is unfortunately not an isolated case. The Insurance Fraud Bureau vigorously investigates these types of cases because they represent double-dipping, and can have a devastating effect on honest employers who pay the premiums to protect their employees.”
Pulgini & Norton, LLP attorneys have handled workers’ compensation claims for over 25 years in and around Boston and its surrounding areas. If you or a family member has been injured at work and would like to seek legal assistance, please contact us at (781) 843-2200 or (888) 344-2046 or email us.
Cited Sources:
Attleboro man indicted in workers’ comp fraud, The Sun Chronicle, April 4, 2013