NYS Inspector General Releases the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General Annual Report

In conjunction with this release, IG Lang, along with Attorney-in-Charge for Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bryan Richmond, presented the annual report to the Workers’ Compensation Board at its April Board Meeting in Schenectady, NY.

The report demonstrates the impact of IG Lang’s initiatives during her first two years serving as the state’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General, including:

• Significantly increasing public outreach efforts and communication with the press;
• Collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement;
• Expanding the Office’s internal and external training programs; and
• The robust use of social media to solicit complaints.

Resulting in:

• 1,732 Complaints – a 55% increase over the past two years;
• The uncovering of $768K+ in Workers’ Compensation fraud; and
• The recovery of over $1.3 million through restitution, fines, and other court orders following the resolution of new and previously pending investigations.

“The workers’ compensation system is an essential lifeline for hardworking New Yorkers who are legitimately injured on the job,” said Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Our partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board to combat fraud and abuse is critical to the success of this system. I look forward to continuing this strong partnership against misconduct in the year ahead.”

“We commend the Inspector General’s Office for the integral role it plays in safeguarding the integrity of the New York State workers’ compensation system and are proud to assist their office in its investigatory efforts,” said Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez. “When bad actors are brought to justice, it allows the Board to better fulfill our mission of protecting the rights of both employees and employers.”

For the full report click here.