Beating Claims of Philadelphia Insurance Fraud

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Last Updated on: 6th December 2023, 11:03 pm

Beating Claims of Philly Insurance Fraud: What to Do If Falsely Accused

Getting that letter accusing you of insurance fraud can be terrifying. And in a city like Philadelphia with high rates of fraud, folks may assume you’re guilty by default. But there are things you can do to protect yourself if wrongly accused. This article covers common fraud charges in Philly, potential defenses, and steps to take if the heat’s on you.

What Gets Folks in Hot Water in Philly

Philly’s insurance fraud unit is notoriously aggressive—they even have a TV show about busting fraudsters! Common charges include:

• Staging car accidents for injury claims. A classic scam, but hard to beat video footage.
• Exaggerating damages from an accident. Getting greedy with repair bills or injury claims.
• Hiding pre-existing damage on a claim. Omitting that dent from last year to get it fixed now.
• Lying about living somewhere else. Securing lower premiums tied to different zip codes.

Charges often target doctors and chiros too for enabling patient scams. Bottom line, Philly don’t play when it comes to fraud!

Building Your Defense

If questioned or accused, don’t panic. There are defenses to beat the charges. But gathering evidence and statements early is key.

For injury claims, get all medical records showing treatment history. Proof you weren’t faking! Also provide evidence on the extent of damages, like photos, repair estimates, and witnesses.

If accused of address fraud, pull together documents showing ties to the area. Leases, bills, school records, etc.

For accident claims, offer evidence like photos of damage, police reports, and eyewitness statements. Video footage can make or break these cases.

Insurers love recorded statements too, but never provide one before consulting an attorney! Anything you say can and will get used against you.

Don’t forget alibis. If accused of staging an accident, records proving you were elsewhere could make the case crumble. Phone records, receipts, security video—anything helps.

And if the charges involve a shady doctor or attorney? Gather patient records and other evidence showing services were legit.

Getting an experienced fraud defense lawyer is also key. Never let an insurer pressure you into settling! An attorney can evaluate your case’s strengths and weaknesses and build the best defense strategy.

What Happens If Charged?

In Philadelphia, most fraud charges come civilly from insurance companies themselves. But some cases do spark criminal charges if involving major insurers, the city, or feds.

If only facing a civil complaint, it may get resolved through settlement or lawsuits. But criminal charges mean facing prosecution by the D.A. or U.S. attorney’s office.

The stakes ramp up here, with charges like insurance fraud, perjury, theft by deception, conspiracy, racketeering, etc. We’re talking hefty fines and years behind bars in state or federal prisons. Not fun.

So don’t go it alone if formally charged! Get an aggressive lawyer to fight for dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal at trial. Beating insurance fraud allegations in Philly requires experience and strategy few defendants have themselves.

The Waiting Game and Your Rep

Here’s the reality—these cases take time. Investigations, evidence reviews, settlement talks, maybe a trial…it can be months or years of limbo before seeing a resolution.

And even if charges get dismissed, just being questioned or accused can tank your finances, credit, and reputation. Insurers share info too, so one fraud complaint can get you blacklisted across the industry.

So again, getting experienced counsel early to contain and beat the allegations is key. The fewer folks who know about the case, the better as well while it plays out. Loose lips on fraud accusations can sink jobs, relationships, and more if they spread locally.

Stay strong and know that this too shall pass. And try not to stress eat too many delicious Philly cheesesteaks along the way!