Workers’ Compensation
Ca. Workers' Comp. Quarterly 2017, Vol. 30, No. 4
Content
- A Judge's Perspective: Medical Evidence at Trial
- Civility and Advocacy in Handling Workers' Compensation Cases
- Cumulative Index
- Ten New Tips from a Mediator for Getting the Best Results in Mediation
- Workers' Compensation Section 2017-2018 Executive Committee Roster
- The Other "F" Word: Fraud in the Workers' Compensation System
The Other "F" Word: Fraud in the Workers’ Compensation System
JAYA KAPOOR, ESQ.
Van Nuys, California
The "F" word, fraud, has been thrown around a lot lately. It is used frequently at the WCAB, with each side pointing a finger at the other. It is in the news, due to the passing of SB 1160 and AB 1244, as well as in the indictments of some prominent providers, vendors, and attorneys.
Let’s be fair and acknowledge that fraud stems from different sources. There is employer fraud, carrier fraud, provider fraud, and fraud committed by the injured worker. It is also fair to note that despite the recent attention given to the issue of fraud, the majority of the industry does not participate in fraudulent activity. It is unfortunate that due to a small number of individuals engaging in large amounts of fraudulent behavior, workers’ compensation has acquired such a stigma.