California Continues Its Prosecution of Workers Comp Insurance ...

Workers? compensation is a good thing, don?t get us wrong. There are many jobs out there that are physically taxing, strenuous and some that are downright dangerous. We?ve all seen construction workers and roofers scrambling around on the frames of buildings, or window washers clinging to the side of a high rise.

These are pretty obvious examples of how workers could get injured while on the job. But what about office workers? That coffee spill in the lunchroom that someone ?forgot? to clean up could cause someone to slip and fall, and improperly installed cubicles or other office furniture could collapse onto an unsuspecting administrator. Accidents happen all the time, but there?s many instances where an injury occurs because of neglect, bad craftsmanship or human error.

And that?s what workers? comp is there for. This valuable employee benefit pays for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenditures while a worker heals from injuries sustained while in the workplace. And we?d like to point out that most employers and workers are very honest when they claim for workers comp?there?s only a small percentage of scammers out there who abuse the system for their personal profit. And it?s these people who cause the workers? comp premiums to rise.

How big of a problem is workers? comp fraud? Huge?tens of billions of dollars of false claims and unpaid premiums are stolen every year. And this isn?t just affecting business owners in the premiums they pay, it?s affecting consumers, too. How? Business owners are passing those costs on to their customers. Sad but true.

Just a few days ago, a Los Angeles County probation officer was arrested on suspicion of workers? compensation fraud, with other potential criminal investigations in process for other employees in the department, according to the Los Angeles Times. Rochelle Williams was accused of forging both departmental and medical documents, including signatures, to support her claims for workers? compensation. Jerry Powers, Los Angeles County?s Chief Probation Officer, has taken eradicating workers? compensation fraud and criminal activity very seriously since he took over the department.

Last month in Riverside County, the district attorney?s office received more than $2 million from the state of California to boost its anti-fraud unit and aggressively target auto and workers? compensation insurance scam artists.

?Riverside County?s large population and current economic strife has resulted in economic instability and increased unemployment. That, unfortunately, has significantly contributed to increased workers? compensation and automobile insurance fraud throughout the Inland Empire,? District Attorney Paul Zellerbach said during a news briefing at his office in downtown Riverside.

Even San Bernardino, routinely known as California?s remaining ?Wild West? when it comes to corruption, is cracking down on these scam artists in conjunction with the California Contractors State License Board. If San Bernardino is cracking down, you know that it?s serious.

Are you avoiding your workers? compensation insurance payments? The fines are steep and California is cracking down on those skiving away from their insurance responsibilities. Don?t let the lack of insurance ruin the business you worked so hard to build. Call BMR Insurance Agency?we?ll review any existing policy for free and recommend the best course of action, all within your budget. What do you have to lose? (Besides a jail sentence and hefty fines?) 714-838-1911

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Source: http://bmrins.com/blog/california-continues-its-prosecution-of-workers-comp-insurance-fraud/

westminster dog show 2012 words with friends words with friends phlebotomy survivor dog show best in show