On January 3, 2018, at a Lien Conference at the Santa Ana WCAB, the lien holders of record withdrew all liens for medical treatment provided to a California school district cafeteria worker convicted of workers’ compensation insurance fraud under Insurance Code §1871.4, subd. (a) (4), for fraudulently obtaining medical treatment.  The claimant was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Securing deposition testimony and a well-timed workers’ compensation claim dismissal, DGC’s Jeff Hammill assisted in the criminal prosecution.  In further obtaining the withdrawal of all liens, Jeff wrapped up the defense for his client in the workers’ compensation case.  The file was referred to Jeff from the start of litigation in January 2014.

On December 14, 2017, in support of Riverside County’s fraud conviction, the Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld a restitution order for $34,925.09 in medical, deposition, investigation, and salary reimbursement expenses to be paid by the convicted claimant.  The claimant challenged the majority of this amount, claiming abuse of judicial discretion and arguing culpability only for costs incurred after being caught “milking” the claim.  The court reminded the claimant that by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor on a felony insurance fraud charge, she had by law already admitted to “faking” the entire injury.

Claimant had claimed a specific injury to her low back, spine and spinal cord from lifting a box of frozen burritos. She subsequently told her doctor about inability to lift her arms, sit for prolonged periods, or walk without a limp.  However, video surveillance obtained while treatment was ongoing, and shown to the treating orthopedist, clearly showed claimant walking with a normal gait through a pumpkin patch with children, squatting and bending with no evidence of pain, driving for long distances, carrying items, shopping, and gambling in Palm Springs, CA.

Minutes of Lien Hearing: Click here

4th Appellate District Opinion: Click here

Order Dismissing WC Case: Click here

On September 9, 2017, having committed perjury under oath in violation of Penal Code Section 664/118(a), a hospital worker pled guilty in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to three felony counts of workers’ compensation fraud under Insurance Code 1871.4.

A specific eye injury was claimed from a fire extinguisher falling to the floor and discharging chemicals into the claimant’s eyes. Medical treatment stalled. Client referred matter to DGC’s Robert Robinson. At his suggestion, video surveillance was obtained documenting applicant’s capabilities. Claimant’s deposition was scheduled, and testimony inconsistent with claimant’s capabilities was obtained. Claimant was boxed into denying under oath any ability to drive a car or water the lawn, having previously been recorded on video doing both denied activities. Detailed advocacy letters shaping the evidence assisted the ophthalmic QME in finding no permanent ophthalmic disability and no reason for claimant’s continued claims of eye disability other than “hysterical blindness” or malingering.

Working with Probe SIR, the full deposition testimony, surveillance video, and med-legal evidence were packaged and submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and shepherded through prosecutorial review. Now convicted, the claimant was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,946 on or before February 27, 2018.

Felony Complaint For Arrest Warrant:  Click here

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, is proud to announce the promotion to firm partner of Robert E. Robinson, Esq., Richard A. Lynn, Esq., and Robert Lance, Esq.

San Diego, CA – 09/19/2017 – Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, a California statewide law firm practicing exclusively in Workers’ Compensation Defense; Subrogation; Asbestos; Labor Code §132a; and Serious and Willful Misconduct claims, promotes three managing attorneys to partners.

Robert E. Robinson (Greater Los Angeles/Encino), Richard A. Lynn (Ontario/Inland Empire), and Robert Lance (Santa Monica) will continue in their leadership as Partners.

“Our firm is pleased to share this news and recognize these three exceptional attorneys” said Bill Dietz, speaking on behalf of fellow firm Principals Mark Gilmor and Avery Chazen.