Attorney General's News Release

January 11, 2010

Attorney General Koster announces dramatic increase in workers' comp fraud collections in 2009

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster today announced that actions by his office have resulted in an increased amount of collections and convictions for workers' compensation fraud and for noncompliance with mandatory workers' compensation insurance coverage in 2009.

According to the Attorney General, his office last year filed charges against 27 violators for workers' compensation fraud, as compared with eight in the previous year. More than $838,000 was assessed against violators for fraud and for insurance coverage noncompliance in 2009, versus $461,000 in 2008. Monies collected go to the State Workers' Compensation Fund or to make restitution for victims of workers' compensation fraud violations.

"This office takes seriously its obligations to our state's business community, and individuals who steal from our workers' compensation system undermine a sound business climate," Koster said.

Koster credited the increase in charges and collections with staff realignment to dedicate more resources to prosecuting workers' compensation fraud and cases involving insurance noncompliance. The Attorney General's office currently is prosecuting 183 cases for workers' compensation fraud or insurance noncompliance.