The Colorado workers’ compensation system is in place to protect workers and provide them with financial support when they suffer on-the-job injuries. Despite the fact that this system is helpful and effective for many injured workers and their families, some people may try to take advantage of it, filing fraudulent claims and taking much-needed money away from the system – and the injured people who really need it.

Because Colorado workers’ compensation fraud is a serious issue with significant impacts, in this three-part blog series, we’ll highlight some of the most important facts to know about it. If you, however, are more focused on recovering from a workplace injury – or putting the pieces back together after losing a loved one to a fatal work accident, don’t hesitate to contact experienced Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney Michael P. Dominick.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Fraud: Important Info

Fact 1 – About 2 percent of workers’ comp claims are fraudulent.

Here are some important facts to know about Colorado workers’ compensation fraud. Contact us if you need help with your financial recovery after a work injury.

According to a 2000 study conducted at the University of Michigan, researchers found that about 1 to 2 percent of all workers’ compensation claims filed in the U.S. are fraudulent. Given that more than 30,000 workers’ compensation claims are filed in the state of Colorado each year (according to the Colorado Department of Labor), this could mean that as many as 600 of these claims are fraud-based every year.

Fact 2 – Workers’ compensation fraud may be committed by people other than injured workers.

When discussions regarding Colorado workers’ compensation fraud arise, commonly, it’s assumed that the injured workers themselves are the ones committing the act of fraud. This can be true, and when it is, the Colorado workers’ compensation fraud can specifically take the forms of:

• Faking or exaggerating injuries
• Claiming injuries were sustained at work when they were, in fact, not
• Failing to report income and/or second jobs when filing Colorado workers’ comp claims
• Filing multiple workers’ compensation claims (either in multiple states or in the same state under different identities).

However, injured workers are NOT the only ones who can and do commit Colorado workers’ compensation fraud. In fact, the following parties may also attempt Colorado workers’ compensation fraud:

• Health care providers, who may overbill insurers
• Insurance companies, which may alter claim evidence after the fact to try to support their denials of valid claims
• Employers, who may misrepresent injured workers’ wages or other compensation in an effort to reduce their payouts.

To get some more important info about Colorado workers’ compensation fraud, be sure to read the additional parts of this blog series. They’ll be posted soon.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick

If you have sustained a workplace injury, it’s essential that injured workers contact the Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals are experienced at going up against corporate lawyers and insurance companies, and we have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses.

For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.