Fake work injuries can equal big fines and jail time.

A man in a checkered shirt sitting with his head resting in his hands.

The Crime –

A Columbus, Ohio mobile home maintenance worker now owes his former employer, TS Tech USA Corporation, more than $41,000.

35 year old Jason C. Smith, plead guilty to a felony count of workers’ compensation fraud this past Tuesday (August 14, 2018).

Investigators were acting on a tip with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation when they found out Jason Smith was working for the mobile home park as well as a number of private individuals for close to two years. All while he was receiving $41,413 in disability benefits from TS Tech.

The Punishment –

Along with having to repay the money, a judge also sentenced him to one year of jail time, which was suspended in exchange for 3 years’ probation.

According to Jim Wernecke, BWC’s special investigations department director, “You can’t claim you’re disabled and collect benefits from BWC or your employer when you’re also working under the radar and making a living. Workers’ comp benefits are for people who truly can’t work because they were injured on the job, not people who want to cheat the system and pad their income.”

This comes on the heels of yet another workers comp scam in Ohio.

The Crime –

On August 8th, 57-year-old Grant Myers, of Huron, was ordered to reimburse BWC $11,566 after pleading guilty to a first-degree count of workers’ compensation fraud.

Investigators found him running a drywall business while receiving disability benefits from the agency.

The Punishment –

Myers was initially given a 30-day jail sentence for his crimes, but a judge suspended the sentence after Myers agreed to pay BWC restitution.

If you are injured at work and worried about your financial future, immediately get an attorney who specializes in workers comp cases. Partnering with a skilled worker’s’ compensation attorney may ensure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Your needs are more than just a basic settlement.

The Help You Need –

Call Columbus Attorney Tom Marchese at 614.486.3249 or click here to get started with your free consultation.

Columbus Workers Comp attorney, Tom Marchese

I’m Thomas Marchese,

I was one of the first attorneys in the State of Ohio to be board certified as a specialist in worker’s compensation law and I will personally handle your entire case.

You will never be handed off to an inexperienced associate and your case is not just another file in a stack. From consultation to final settlements, I will be by your side.

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