Holland park, 22 January 2015
| Date | 22 January 2015 |
|---|---|
| Charges | One charge of fraud Three charges of false or misleading information or documents |
| Plea | Guilty |
| Facts | The worker injured her knee while at work when she slipped and fell. The worker lodged an application for compensation with a workers' compensation insurer. Compensation was paid to or on behalf of the worker. The worker made representations that she was unable to return to work, that she had great difficulty walking and that she needed to walk with the aid of crutches. She also made representations regarding the severity of her pain. Surveillance was obtained of the worker. The video footage showed the worker used crutches while attending medical appointments but before and after appointments she walked unaided. The complaint alleged the worker made false or misleading verbal and physical representations to the insurer and medical providers. The total amount of compensation paid during the offence period was $5,672.61. |
| Penalty | $7,000.00 fine |
| Restitution | $5,762.61 |
| Costs | Workers' Compensation Regulator costs - $10,564.00 |
| Conviction | Not recorded |
| Consideration for Prevention | A worker should always be honest about his/her symptoms and capacity to work when speaking to the insurer and/or medical practitioners. |