The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded a $339,173 grant by the California Department of Insurance, enhancing its ability to investigate cases of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. The grant, allocated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, originates from California employers legally obliged to be insured or self-insured.
Workers’ compensation insurance fraud typically involves employees exaggerating or fabricating injuries, or white-collar criminals creating false or inflated claims, over-treating, and over-prescribing potentially harmful and addictive drugs. Furthermore, employers may sometimes discourage injured workers from filing legitimate claims.
The grant aims to address the increase in fraud that is burdening the workers’ compensation system, including medical provider insurance fraud, employer premium fraud, and claimant fraud.
District Attorney Carla Rodriguez emphasized the commitment of her office to investigating and prosecuting workers’ compensation fraud while also ensuring fairness for both employees and employers.
In addition to increased investigation and prosecution, the District Attorney’s Office plans to conduct outreach to local businesses and community members, including diverse and underserved communities, to educate them on preventing and reporting insurance fraud.