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While many people have suffered legitimate injuries due to property owner negligence, some abuse the system and file fraudulent claims in the hopes of an easy payout. Inevitably, some of these individuals are actually successful in their efforts, sometimes receiving millions of dollars in compensation. Not only is this highly unethical, but it could make it more difficult for legitimate victims to receive compensation for their own injuries. And believe it or not, even doctors in New York are participating in these scams.
New York Doctor Performs Unnecessary Surgeries for Easy Slip-and-Fall Payouts
A serious vulnerability in the legal system was recently exposed when a doctor was caught performing unnecessary surgeries for patients who had fraudulently claimed slip-and-fall injuries. These injuries never actually occurred, and it was all part of a scheme that involved both doctors and lawyers pulling the strings behind the scenes. As a result, one doctor was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A separate litigation funding company pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud back in August in connection to the same scam.
The goal was to artificially inflate the value of trip-and-fall lawsuits by performing surgeries. Since these surgeries created medical records that could then be used in court, it seemed to everyone that the injuries were legitimate. After all, what kind of doctor would abuse their medical licenses just to perpetuate a scam for a little extra cash? Clearly, many onlookers underestimated the human capacity for greed and corruption.
Insurers and property owners were hit hard by this scam – suffering an estimated $30 million in losses. The scheme involved recruiting up to 400 people – many of whom were among the most vulnerable segments of New York’s population. These were financially desperate individuals who jumped at the opportunity to make a little extra money – even if it meant going under the knife for no reason. Some of these individuals were even recruited from homeless shelters and then instructed to visit specific locations. Once there, they would deliberately fall on the ground and claim injuries. Often, these individuals were paid about $1,000 to undergo an unnecessary surgery – thereby giving credibility to these fraudulent claims.
This should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to file a fraudulent injury claim. The consequences can be severe – far outweighing any potential financial benefit. That being said, legitimate victims have every right to take legal action.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New York, Glassman Law Group is here to help. If you are not sure whether you have a legitimate claim, book a consultation before making any hasty decisions. We will assess your situation in detail before recommending the best route forward. As someone with genuine injuries, you deserve the right to take legal action – regardless of whether others have carried out scams. Book your consultation to get started today.