| Torrance CA, March 17, 2009 -- Martha Figueroa, a housekeeper who was employed by Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, pleaded guilty to one count of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Figueroa had collected $28,000 in duplicate workers’ compensation benefits she was not entitled to for the period of July 3, 2003 to May 26, 2004. Figueroa was found to have lied in a deposition taken under oath on October 14, 2003, when she had stated she had no prior workers’ compensation injuries. An investigation by Keenan & Associates, the administrator of Hoag Hospital’s workers’ compensation claims, revealed that the claimant had sustained prior injuries while working at a previous employer for which she received a settlement and future medical care. The claims examiner at Keenan prepared a detailed package of evidence to present to the California Department of Insurance and the Orange County District Attorney’s office. Keenan was informed by the District Attorney’s office that although the deposition was barred by the statute of limitations, the fraud regarding the duplicate payments could be prosecuted. Following the guilty pleas, Figueroa was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to make restitution to Keenan and the Employment Development Department for $28,000.00. Figueroa was also required to pay an additional $200 in criminal and civil fines. About Keenan Founded in 1972, Keenan is the 17th largest insurance brokerage firm in the United States, and the largest independent broker in California. Keenan is dedicated to providing superior insurance products and services to schools, community colleges, municipalities, and healthcare organizations that include employee benefits, third-party claims administration, workers' compensation, integrated disability, risk management, and property and liability. Keenan has a network of offices located throughout California and a staff of more than 650 insurance specialists. For more information, call 1-800-654-8102, 1-310-212-3344 or email info@keenan.com. Visit our web site at www.keenan.com. |