Another Less Than Moving Account

While working for a moving company, a 43-year-old California man unloaded furniture down a truck’s ramp when he unfortunately slipped, injuring his hand and foot. After spending time off from work to recover, his employer offered him a less physical position consistent with his doctor’s recommendations. While this is a welcome offer for most on their road to recovery, this mover opted to double down on his injury complaints, going so far as to say that merely walking from his car into the workplace risked him re-injuring himself. Re-examined by his physician, he claimed to be unable to stand for any duration and require a wheelchair to move around.

As readers of ICW Group’s Fraud Friday newsletter, I am sure you can guess what happened next. With the strong suspicions mounting that this gentleman was malingering and exaggerating his symptoms, investigative surveillance was dispatched in hopes of getting to the bottom of this evolving story. While he attended doctor’s appointments in a wheelchair and wearing a medical boot, multiple waves of surveillance showed a perfectly capable individual driving, shopping, lifting, pushing and pulling – a stark contrast to his claims of debilitating pain.   

The matter was referred to law enforcement by ICW Group’s Special Investigations Unit. Felony charges have now been filed. ICW Group will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this matter moves through the criminal justice process.

Christopher Dill
Christopher Dill
Christopher Dill is the Special Investigations Unit Director at ICW Group Insurance Company. A Fraud Claims Law Specialist designee, he was a recipient of the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association’s Investigation of the Year Award for his significant contribution to the successful resolution of “Operation Back Lash” – one of the largest workers’ compensation health care bribery schemes ever uncovered in San Diego County. Christopher has participated in over 30 criminal cases surrounding medical and legal providers attempting to defraud the Workers’ Compensation system. Christopher’s approach to insurance fraud investigations is a holistic one. From preventative education campaigns, to data analytics, to time tested investigative, and intelligence gathering techniques, it is Christopher’s belief that a multi-faceted approach to insurance fraud is necessary to a successful defense.

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