Fraud of the Week

Workers Compensation – New York

Amount – unknown

A man claimed to be 100% disabled and was awarded workers compensation benefits for a January 2020 back injury at work; from April to August 2020, he was ruled totally disabled and awarded corresponding benefits through January 2021. His employer hired an insurance investigator to substantiate the man's claims. Surveillance videos revealed the man digging in his garden, engaging in outdoor activities that required bending and kneeling at angles up to 90 degrees, and carrying large cases of beer among other activities that stood in stark contrast to his claim of 100 percent disability. Upon receipt of this evidence, the Workers Compensation Board (Board) revoked the man's benefits from June 2020 to January 2021 and issued a permanent ruling that prohibited the man from receiving wage replacement benefits. These penalties were affirmed by the appellate court.