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Sarasota: 941-366-3506 Fort Myers: 239-334-8890
Insurance Fraud Arrests in Florida
Operation Flames and Floods resulted in thirty one arrests recently in what the State claimed was a major insurance fraud ring operating in South Florida. According to the new reports “finders”, runners were used to solicit home owners to allow their property to be used for fire and water damage claims to fraudulently bill insurance companies. The State claims that millions of dollars were paid out on these allegedly phony insurance claims. Although the ring was based on the East coast of Florida, some of the claims were made and paid in Collier, Lee and Sarasota Counties.
Submitting a false claim to an insurance company is a felony.
As a state and federal criminal defense law firm, We see one of the most common false claims is for water damage. The fact is however, that if you have an unexpected “flood” in your house from broken pipes or roof damage, the extent of the damage can really be substantial. Be sure to document the actual expenses and bills paid. Take pictures of the actual damage and keep a detailed log of the time, hours and money spent fixing the problem. Do not be bullied by the insurance companies.
As a result of a ruling just last week in Palm Beach, my predictions is that you are going to see false claims dramatically increase. The Court sided with contractors that had submitted claims pursuant to an assignment of benefits. The Court sided with contractors that had submitted claims pursuant to an assignment of benefits. It was argued, unsuccessfully, that this created a situation where the contractors could over bill and created a situation where there was no incentive to charge market prices. The next time there is a hurricane, my prediction is that if the “assignment of benefits” hold up, there will be millions of dollars in questionable claims. As a criminal defense lawyer, for over thirty years I have been defending people charged with insurance fraud. I have defended doctors charged with submitting false claims on automobile insurance policies, false Medicare claims and prescription fraud. The insurance companies have a powerful lobby and laws are constantly being passed to protect them. If you are falsely accused of fraud, I may be able to help
For a free consultation, call 941 366 3506 in Sarasota or 239 334 8890 in Lee County
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