17-08-2017-Brisbane

On 11 June 2014 the worker allegedly sustained a back injury at work when he slipped as he walked while working as a camp manager for a mining company. The worker also claimed he suffered secondary urological and psychological injuries as a consequence of the injury. The claim was accepted on 24 June 2014 and compensation was paid to the worker for the period 12 June 2014 to 29 January 2016 in the amount of $119,347.

During the claim the worker made representations, to the insurer and various medical providers, to the effect that his previous back injuries were limited to a single back injury about 30 years ago and/or any back pain he suffered prior to the injury was not significant. Medical records revealed these representation were false because he had suffered and been treated for multiple injuries to his back and suffered significant back pain between 2006 and 2014.

The worker also made representations to the insurer and medical providers to the affect that his urological condition started after the injury. Medical records revealed the worker had been treated for a urological condition prior to the injury.

The worker also made representations to the insurer that he had never been treated for any psychological or psychiatric or mental health condition. The medical records obtained revealed the worker had been treated for mental health issues prior to the injury.

It was considered that the worker knowingly made false and misleading representations about previous health issues and/or did not disclose previous health issues where disclosure was clearly required and therefore received compensation to which he was not entitled.

A complaint and summons was filed on 28 November 2016 with three charges for each fraud however later combined as one charge only.