October 7, 2015
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt
announced that Michael Joseph Bricker, 49, of Las Vegas, was sentenced for
workers’ compensation fraud, a category “D” felony. The fraud was committed
between March 2013 and May 2014.
Bricker fraudulently filed a workers’ compensation claim alleging he suffered
a major back injury while working at a local Dunkin’ Donuts store. Based on his
misrepresentations during the claim process, he was determined to have a
disability. As a result, he received tens of thousands of dollars in health care
treatment and benefits. The Hartford insurance company later discovered that
Bricker knowingly failed to disclose a prior work-related back injury, and had
denied any pre-existing conditions on multiple occasions. The investigation also
uncovered that Bricker engaged in activities outside of the physical
restrictions imposed on him by his physician, such as operating a handyman
business, among other things.
“Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide wage replacement and
medical benefits to employees suffering legitimate job-related injuries,” said
Laxalt. “This type of fraud will not be taken lightly by this office, as it
victimizes tax payers and businesses who are forced to pay higher premiums as a
result.”
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced Bricker to
probation, not to exceed five years, with intensive supervision and house
arrest. He was also ordered to repay $75,000 in benefits to his employer’s
workers’ compensation insurance carrier, The Hartford.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Roger R. Madsen.
To file a complaint with our office, click
here. To view the
criminal Information for Michael Joseph Bricker, click
here.
/Michael_Joseph_Bricker.jpg "Michael Joseph Bricker")
(Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan
Police Department)
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