I wanted to spotlight one of our carriers that is extremely active in fighting workers comp fraud. ICW has an in-house special investigation unit department that investigates to find evidence of fraud. Workers comp fraud is a huge problem and increases costs to employers.
Here's a press release from ICW on one recent success of their SIU unit:
ICW Group SIU Investigation Leads to 20 Felony Counts
A property manager of an apartment complex alleged a slip and fall incident. The property manager claims she injured her tailbone, rendering her unable to sit comfortably or walk with a normal gait. As a result, she was diagnosed Temporarily & Totally Disabled. However, physicians soon noted her abnormal posture and exaggerated inconsistent complaints and notified the Claims Examiner. ICW Group SIU immediately commenced the surveillance.
The applicant was observed over multiple days getting into and out of her vehicle, walking up and down stairs, walking with a normal gait for several minutes and wearing high heels. She testified to being unable to utilize stairs, wear high heels, stand for more than 15 minutes and only while hunched over, or get into/out of a vehicle without assistance.
These material misrepresentations made under oath and to physicians led prosecutors to charge her with 20 felony counts of insurance fraud and perjury. She is just 24 years old.