Bucks County Insurance Fraud Lawyer
Fraudulent insurance claims are processed every year, with insurance companies in the United States averaging $160 billion in payouts for fraudulent insurance claims. These companies are insurance providers in healthcare, automotive, homeowners, and other industries. Falsifying documents, deceiving insurance companies, and committing fraud to receive benefits and compensation on the part of insurance policies is against the law, and those convicted may face severe penalties.
If you are facing charges, you have the right to an attorney that can help you lessen the penalties and strategize the best course of action. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our professional criminal defense lawyers can help you fight the charges against you and develop a plan to restore your record.
What Is Insurance Fraud?
Insurance fraud relates to the act of deceiving an insurance company to receive benefits, compensation, and any incentives granted in terms of the policy when they are not rightfully earned. Defrauding an insurance company has severe penalties relative to the amount of money allegedly stolen. Insurance fraud covers a broad range of offenses, many of which can affect an insurance company, agency, or person.
Fraud charges may be on the part of an insurance company, agent, adjuster, or due to a consumer’s gains from fraudulent claims. There are different kinds of insurance fraud, and when convicted of these charges, the individual faces fines and jail time. This is a serious crime and considered a felony in Pennsylvania. Without legal help, you may not have much of a chance to fight the charges and convictions you are facing. Insurance companies have skilled legal teams and experience dealing with fraudulent claims. If you are wrongfully convicted or facing the penalties of these charges, your entire life may be negatively affected.
Types of Insurance Fraud in Bucks County
People may believe that insurance fraud is a victimless crime, but that is a misconception. Fraudulent insurance claims cause all consumers to pay more in premium costs. They can even result in injury of another when staging an accident, event, or scheme to create deceiving images and documentation for the claim.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance fraud might entail staging car accidents and falsifying injury claims, false reports of stolen vehicles, false claims for existing car damage, and concealing a non-insured driver who was driving during an accident.
Health Insurance
Health insurance fraud involves individuals who allow someone else to use their identity and insurance information to obtain health care services. This includes health care providers that falsely bill for services, procedures, and supplies never rendered, or provide unnecessary medical services for financial gain, and many other fraudulent acts.
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance fraud involves individuals intentionally damaging a property to make a claim, staging a burglary or break-in of a vehicle, fabricating supporting evidence in a claim, or concealing that a home is being rented or used as a commercial business.
Worker’s Compensation
In a worker’s compensation fraud case, an individual exaggerates or fabricates claims with fake injuries, claims an injury occurred on the job when it happened elsewhere, or takes a new job and lies to the insurance company about being unable to work. Employers charged with fraud may have understated the amount of company payroll to reduce a premium or lied about the type of employees and the work they perform.
Insurance fraud is a severe crime, and those convicted of fraudulent behavior by falsifying documentation and falsely filing claims can face severe consequences for their actions. Sometimes, people are wrongly accused of fraud, or no valid evidence links them to defrauding insurances. Hiring a skilled and experienced Bucks County insurance fraud lawyer can help you fight the charges and penalties you face for these crimes.
What Are the Penalties of Insurance Fraud in Bucks County?
The penalties for insurance fraud vary, depending on how much money was received with a fraudulent claim, any additional charges, the number of offenses, and the individual’s criminal record. Some charges, such as the intent to commit insurance fraud through an application or falsifying information, may be considered a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Felony charges carry higher financial penalties and jail time. Regardless, committing these crimes carries serious penalties.
Title 18 Section 4117 of Pennsylvania Crimes Code details the penalties for these charges:
- First offense: $5,000 in fines and jail time
- Second offense: $10,000 in fines and jail time
- Third offense: $15,000 for each subsequent violation and jail time
- Additional sentencing may include paying the amount of stolen money in addition to the financial fines
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you face financial penalties and jail time for insurance fraud crimes. These convictions are very serious and can damage your reputation, career opportunities, and everyday life. A skilled Bucks County lawyer can help you develop the best strategy to fight the charges and determine your options.
Seeking Legal Help after Insurance Fraud Charges in Bucks County
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our attorneys are skilled in criminal law and developing the best legal plan of action to help our clients facing charges. No matter what the case is, insurance fraud is widespread, and prosecutors are experienced in getting individuals convicted of these crimes. Many people may face these charges without substantial evidence and proof of fraudulent behavior. You do not have to face these charges alone; our skilled legal team is here to help you.
Insurance fraud is punishable by jail time and financial penalties. These consequences are life-altering and can limit your life. Especially when individuals face multiple offenses, it can be challenging to face the courtroom without a lawyer. A professional legal team on your side can help you face these challenges and lessen the consequences of convictions.
Contact an Insurance Fraud Attorney in Bucks County Today
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our Bucks County insurance fraud lawyers are experts in criminal law. With over 65 years of experience helping clients fight the penalties of charges and convictions, we are eager to help you fight your case. Our team can provide you with the best advice and action to take to change your outcome. Reach out to us using our contact form or give us a call at (215) 822-7575 to schedule a free consultation.
