Researchers analyzed past workers’ compensation claims that were considered questionable by referrals, and the reports were submitted over the span of about six months. Although the total number of workers’ compensation claims submitted had dropped, the number of claims considered questionable had risen. Questionable claims are ones that experts at insurance companies refer to the National Insurance Crime Bureau for review. When the reports are submitted for review, they are closely analyzed for indications of fraud. In some cases, one report may have several red flags that put it in the questionable category.
The state with the highest number of questionable workers’ compensation claims was California, which had more than 2,250. Illinois followed with almost 700, and New York was close behind with nearly 690. In 2011, there were more than 3.3 million workers’ compensation claims in a major database. The number decreased to about 3.2 million within the span of one year, and it decreased again in 2013. There were about 3,475 questionable workers’ compensation claims reported to the NICB in 2011, and that number increased to more than 4,450 in 2012. This means that claims increased by more than 25 percent. During the first half of 2013, there were about 2,325 questionable claims submitted.
When it came to further describing questionable workers’ compensation claims, there were several reasons experts said they referred them. The main reasons were claimant fraud, prior injuries not related to work and malingering. There were more than 6,100 claimant fraud cases, more than 2,300 non-work-related prior injury cases and more than 1,375 malingering cases. Non-work-related injuries pertain to people who claim injuries during days off or recreational days but do not report the incident until they return to work. When they return, they claim the injury happened while they were on the clock. Malingering occurs when a claimant sustained a legitimate injury but kept pretending to experience symptoms in order to collect benefits much longer than necessary after recovering.
Insurance fraud is a growing issue for both consumers and insurers. Many companies are taking steps to prevent it from happening and are also working on ways to improve identification of signs of fraud. If fraud can be prevented before claims are paid, this helps keep premiums more affordable for consumers. When consumers suspect or know of someone committing insurance fraud, it is important to report it. To learn more about this issue or how to report fraud, discuss concerns with an agent.
BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs! We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health. We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!
BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help! We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner. We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.
If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.
Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538
e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com
website: http://www.bgesgroup.com
© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group