As an employer, protecting yourself against workers’ compensation fraud begins with one task: detecting it. If you do not know the warning signs of this type of fraud, you cannot hope to fight against it. Here are several signs that an employee may be trying to scam you.
No Witnesses
If a worker who rarely works on his own claims an injury while working solo, red flags should go up. It is certainly possible for an accident to occur when someone is not in the company of others; however, it is unusual for someone to be injured while suddenly working solo.
Time
When did the accident occur? While it is no definite indicator of fraud, the day of the week should alert you to the need for further investigation. If an employee claims to have been injured on Monday, or immediately following their day off, make sure the injury did not happen on their own time.
Motive
Does the employee have a motive for filing a false injury claim? If the employee has it on good authority they were close to being disciplined or worse, fired, they may be trying to get as much money out of the company as they can. Likewise, an employee who is persistently disgruntled may have motive for filing a fraudulent claim.
Multiple Claims
Of course some people are accident prone. We all know that person who can trip walking on a flat floor. But when someone files multiple claims, it is time to take a closer look. Not only should you be looking for fraud but, in the case of truthful claims, you should be looking at ways to make your site and your operations safer for your employees.
Inconsistency
Listen to your employee’s story and pit it against their written account. People who lie tend to be unable to maintain a lie, especially when it is detailed. Shifty eyes and long pauses can be telltale signs of deception. Watch closely.
If you need a worker’s compensation attorney, call our offices today. We are here to protect your rights in court. Our years of experience and knowledge will be put to work for you immediately. Contact us for your free initial consultation.
