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.
