Workers’ Comp Attorneys’ Blog

Retired LAPD Officer Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud

Workers’ compensation can be a real lifeline to an employee who is injured on the job. While most claims are legitimate, a small number of dishonest individuals file illegitimate claims for personal profit. These scammers poison the system, and the damage they cause is enormous. As a result of the rising number of bogus claims, workers’ compensation insurance companies spend countless amounts of time and resources investigating and prosecuting claimants who are “faking” their injuries.

The Cost of Workers’ Comp Fraud

It may be hard to believe, but illegitimate workers comp claims cost the state of California billions of dollars every year. Fraudulent claims result in higher premiums, which take a toll on business profits and consequently, also exact a cost to honest workers’ pay and jobs. These claims glut the system, result in a cumbersome claim and reimbursement process, and can actually delay medical treatment for a legitimately injured worker.

If an individual or employer knowingly, with intent to defraud, makes a false, material statement related to a workers’ compensation claim, that constitutes workers’ compensation fraud – which is a class E felony, which is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

LAPD officer Charged with Workers’ Comp Fraud

Former LAPD officer Terry Johns, age 56, is a 30 year veteran of the LAPD. He is currently facing felony charges of workers’ compensation insurance fraud after he allegedly filed a false claim. The criminal complaint accused Johns of eight counts, ranging from workers’ compensation insurance fraud to attempted perjury. The arrest was made after an undercover surveillance team determined that the former officer had either vastly overstated or fabricated his injuries. In the course of the investigation, he was caught participating in activities that would have been impossible for him had he actually sustained the injuries he stated in his claim.

The value of the fraudulent claim was quite significant – the police department estimated the amount at well over $200,000. Sadly, former officer Johns case it is not the only instance of this type of fraud. Officials in the LAPD have investigated hundreds of claims in the last eight years –  many of which proved to be legitimate. Johns’ case, however, is the third this year to lead to an arrest and prosecution.

Fake and Exaggerated Workers’ Comp Claims Hurt Everyone

The workers’ compensation system was designed to help workers who have been injured or made ill by workplace conditions. Unfortunately, those few who exaggerate or fake a medical condition or injury for personal profit hurt the many people whose claims are legitimate.

Our experienced workers comp attorneys understand that some injured employees may think it will “help their case” to make an injury, illness, or symptoms seem “really bad” or “worse than it is”. But, in the long run, exaggerating your condition will only hurt your case . . . and can lead to a possible denial of benefits and even criminal felony prosecution.

Between expert doctors trained to spot fraud – and covert insurance company investigators watching your every move – exaggerating your claim will only hurt you. However, an experienced workers comp attorney knows how to collect and present the necessary medical documentation to get your workers compensation benefits approved for your legitimate work-related injury or illness.

Long Beach Workers Comp Attorneys

If you were injured or made ill in the workplace, we recommend that you speak with an experienced workers comp attorney immediately. Even if you are currently receiving workers comp benefits, it is a good idea to get some legal advice to protect your rights going into the future.

An experienced workers compensation lawyer can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems – and make sure that you not only receive your benefits now, but for years to come.

Your consultation with our workers’ comp attorneys is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum workers’ comp benefits for which you qualify.

Call our Workers Comp  attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION: 800-964-8047