Ohio secures five comp fraud-related convictions in March

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation secured five fraud-related convictions in March, with restitution orders totaling more than $41,000 and bringing this year’s total to 12, according to a press release.

Those convicted included a remodeling contractor who had taken on contracts remodeling bathrooms and other jobs while collecting workers compensation, a babysitter running a day care out of her home while collecting benefits, the owner of a Dayton drive-thru business who allowed his comp coverage to lapse, a landscaper running his business while out on a comp injury and a graphic artist who was injured on the job in 1991 but took on work in Colorado, according to the press release.

“Employers must have workers comp insurance to support injured workers in their time of need,” Jim Wernecke, director of the bureau’s special investigations department, said in the press statement. “With these cases closed, we can put their premium dollars back to work caring for injured workers and promoting safety in every Ohio workplace.”