California Man Nabbed for Collecting Workers’ Comp from Multiple Insurers While Working

Michael Williams, 34, of Daly City, Calif., has been arrested on 21 felony counts of insurance fraud and grand theft after allegedly working for multiple employers while collecting over $85,000 in workers’ compensation benefits from two different insurers.

In November 2014, Williams was reportedly working as an electrician when he sustained a work-related injury. He filed a workers’ comp claim with the State Compensation Insurance Fund and began collecting temporary workers’ comp benefits.

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance revealed that in March 2015 Williams began working for a different employer, yet continued allegedly collecting payments from SCIF. In May 2015, Williams sustained another work-related injury and filed another claim, this time with Travelers Insurance. Between March 2015 and November 2016, Williams allegedly worked for and was paid by three different employers. At one point, Williams was collecting payments from SCIF and Travelers for two different work-related injuries.

To continue collecting benefits, William allegedly misrepresented his level of abilities, earnings and employment status to SCIF and medical providers to collect permanent disability benefits after the temporary benefits were exhausted. Williams was also charged with grand theft for allegedly using his former employer’s credit card for personal expenses including an engagement ring.

“Individuals who file fraudulent workers’ compensation claims take advantage of a system designed to help honest workers injured on the job,” Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. “Unscrupulous people cheating the system cost Californians millions of dollars every year in higher premiums through increased rates and higher costs of goods and services.”

This case is being prosecuted by the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office.

Topics California Carriers Workers' Compensation