Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Workers’ Compensation Fraud Program was developed by Glenn County District Attorney’s Office and the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office, partnering together. Both Glenn County and Tehama County’s workforce’s are employed in the agriculture, service and construction industries. These types of jobs greatly impact the State’s Workers’ Compensation program, in that the physical nature of the work lends itself to industrial injuries. Thus, employers pay high Workers’ Compensation premiums and employees currently utilize the program. Compounding the problem is the fact that many of our area jobs are temporary positions, and some workers are willing to make false Workers’ Compensation insurance claims to ensure income when their positions end. The Workers’ Compensation Fraud Program brings local businesses, the Department of Insurance, and the District Attorney’s Office together to tackle Workers’ Compensation Fraud in both counties. The program is designed to investigate allegations of Workers’ Compensation Fraud, arrest offenders, prosecute violators, and seek restitution for funds lost through fraudulent claims and is funded through state grant monies at no cost to Glenn County.
What are the penalties for Workers’ Compensation Fraud?
Any person, employer or employee, who commits Worker’s Comp Fraud, can be convicted of a FELONY punishable by:
1. Up to five (5) years in prison
2. Fines up to $50,000.00 or double the value of the fraud (whichever is greater)
3. Restitution of the benefits obtained