When a Slip & Fall is No Accident

Slip and sue, slip and fall, slip and trip, whatever you call it, if someone pretends to fall and get hurt, or claim they fell when there was no fall at all, it’s fraud.

When it comes to slip and fall fraud, video can mean the difference between a fake claim being denied, and a business being responsible for an illegitimate claim. And while video is more prevalent than it used to be, many fraudulent slip and falls still go under the radar.

What is someone after when they commit fraud? Money. In a slip and fall, after factoring in medical bills, treatments, lost wages, etc., a claim could cost as much as $40,000 dollars!

This video shows some brazen criminals attempting to commit slip and fall fraud, with commentary from an NICB Agent on some tricks criminals have up their sleeve.

 

Related: 3 Members Of Trip-And-Fall Scheme Convicted Of Defrauding New York City-Area Businesses And Their Insurance Companies Of More Than $31.7 Million

Here is a list of pro-tips for how business owners can protect against fraud:

  • Be aware of possible hazards on your property and be proactive about corrective actions
  • Install cameras and review footage regularly
  • Video Video Video - the better the video the better ability business have to defend themselves from potential fraud
  • Post signage advising that video is in use - making people aware they are on video can be a great deterrent
  • Train employees how to react and what to do if someone falls
  • Secure interviews of witnesses right away - memories are best when statements are taken as close to the incident as possible
  • Involve your insurance company. The knowledge of your insurance company will go a long way. They may know about possible organized groups in the area
  • Don’t settle a fraudulent claim with a payoff to make it go away. They’ll move on to another victim hoping for another quick payoff.

Remember, insurance fraud means money out of everyone’s pocket… except the criminal. Businesses may be forced to raise prices, and fraudulent insurance payouts can mean higher premiums.

NICB News Release: Video Surveillance Pulls the Rug Out from Under Phony Slip-and-Fall Scams – See the video: https://youtu.be/u8WolTMahLQ

If you suspect fraud, contact NICB in the following ways. All tips can be anonymous:

  1. Call 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.
  2. Report fraud online using this form.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property-casualty insurers, self-insureds, rental car, vehicle finance, and auto auctions. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.