Phil Cline established the Workers’ Compensation Fraud unit in 1995. In 2005, this office took the lead in organizing the San Joaquin Valley Premium Fraud Task Force comprised of valley District Attorneys as well as the Department of Insurance. We recognized that the problem of Premium Fraud (example: an employer claims a roofer as an officer worker to avoid the higher premiums) is a multi-jurisdictional problem which benefits from a partnership to investigate and prosecute these types of crimes. The Task Force was the first of its kind in California and has been very successful in targeting Premium Fraud cases.

The District Attorney’s Office aggressively seeks to identify, investigate, and prosecute workers’ compensation fraud. Workers’ Compensation Fraud is a serious and costly crime that impacts every citizen and affects every business in Tulare County. A slowing economy is resulting in an increase in Workers’ Compensation Fraud. Tax dollars are being wasted. The cost of consumer goods is escalating. Money is being lost by honest employers and legitimately injured workers – all due to Workers’ Compensation Fraud. Workers’ Compensation Fraud is costing Tulare County jobs. The whole system suffers from the dishonest acts of unscrupulous employers, dishonest employees, claimants, doctors, lawyers, and insurance companies who engage in this crime. Workers’ Compensation Fraud has a huge societal cost.

The Tulare County District Attorney’s current public information campaign (see photos below) targets not
only the traditional Workers’ Compensation Fraud involving employee fraud, but also employer fraud.
Unfortunately, some employers discourage or prohibit their employees from seeking the medical care they are entitled to after having been injured on the job. Billboards in Spanish throughout the County are being utilized to inform workers of their rights and giving them a number to call should they have questions.

YOU CAN HELP. The District Attorney’s Office provides a number
of resources on how to fraud prevent, identify and report workers’ compensation fraud. Employers, workers, providers, and vendors
are encouraged to call (559) 733-6600 and report suspected fraudulent activity.