Austin Workers Compensation Fraud Lawyer

Workers compensation fraud accusations are serious, with many carrying steep fines and felony charges. Both employers and employees can find themselves in the hot seat, and punishment is strict for both sides.

Because of the tremendous cost associated with workers compensation claims every year, insurers are always looking to reduce payouts. This means that they are quick to prosecute those whom they think are taking advantage of the system. Whether you're accused of benefit fraud, premium fraud, or fraud by employees, contacting an Austin workers compensation fraud lawyer from Hines & Holub as soon as possible might help you get your charges reduced or dropped entirely.

Reasons a Texas Workers Compensation Claim Can Look Suspicious

The following are some case scenarios that might raise a red flag with an insurance adjuster or an employer if you file as an employee. Just because one or more of these fits your situation, it doesn't mean you're immediately guilty. Choosing an Austin workers compensation fraud lawyer from our firm can improve your chances of proving your innocence dramatically.

• • You don't have any witnesses

• • Your injury occurred early Monday or late Friday

• • You didn't report your injury until a much later date

• • Your claim occurred near a holiday or vacation day or when you suspected you were about to be fired

• • Your injury occurred off-site

• • The injury happened in a situation unlike your normal duties

• • You were diagnosed differently by different doctors

• • You successfully filed a workers comp claim yet worked elsewhere

Possible Penalties for Work Comp Fraud

Depending on how much your alleged fraud drew in insurance payments, you may face either a misdemeanor or a felony. Reimbursing what you collected-in addition to fines and paying the legal fees of the insurer-is possible as well.

A first-degree felony can carry prison time of anywhere between five and ninety-nine years. Conversely, a class B misdemeanor could mean $2,000 in penalties and up to 180 days imprisonment.

According to the Texas Penal Code regarding insurance fraud, these are some possible verdicts and their penalties:

• • Felony of the first degree if the following conditions are met:

• • Felony of the second degree if the value of the claim is between $150,000 and $300,000

• • Felony of the third degree if the value of the claim is between $30,000 and $150,000

• • State jail felony if the value of the claim is between $2,500 and $30,000

• • Class A misdemeanor if the value of the claim is between $750 and $2,500

• • Class B misdemeanor if the value of the claim is between $100 and $750

• • Class C misdemeanor if the value of the claim is less than $100

• • • • An act committed in connection with the offense placed someone at risk of death or injury
      • The value of the claim is $300,000 or moreFelony of the first degree if the following conditions are met:

By retaining an Austin workers compensation fraud lawyer from our firm, we can help you fight these charges. Even if your charge can't be overturned, it's entirely possible that we may be able to negotiate a plea bargain for a less severe charge with a lesser punishment.

Contact an Austin Workers Compensation Fraud Lawyer

Call Hines & Holub today to find out what we can do to help you get past this trying time in your life. Whether you are being falsely accused of workers comp fraud or whether you felt you had no choice but to claim injury or illness, we want to hear your side of the story.

And if you're an employer charged with misrepresenting your insurance documentation, we have the expertise to fight for your rights as well.

The call is free with no obligation to continue, so dial 512-472-6565 and speak with an experienced Austin workers compensation fraud lawyer today. If you can't talk right now, you can also complete the form on this page and we'll contact you at your leisure.