Semi-truck mechanic arrested for workers' compensation fraud after video evidence reveals him performing strenuous activities
News: 2014 Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Jose Fabian Ruiz, 61 of Los Angeles, is in custody and charged with multiple felony counts including allegedly filing a fraudulent insurance claim. Video surveillance revealed that Ruiz continued physically demanding work on a side job while receiving more than $150,000 in workers' compensation benefits after claiming an allegedly debilitating lower back injury which supposedly prevented him from working.
"I find Ruiz's actions reprehensible," said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Not only did he attempt to cheat the system, but lies like his are the very reason that premiums rise as insurers are forced to pass the cost of fraud onto consumers."
In response to a complaint, the Department of Insurance opened an investigation and interviewed Ruiz on two occasions. In both interviews Ruiz stated that his injury left him unable to lift more than ten pounds, and resulted in a limited range of motion, preventing him from performing parts of his job, such as climbing into big rig trucks.
Department investigators obtained surveillance footage that showed Ruiz working on large trucks and showed him performing his regular work like, working on large trucks with a full range of motion. Two independent medical experts reviewed the video and both determined that Ruiz was not impaired by any major injury nor was he functioning with any significant level of pain.
Ruiz was arrested February 27, 2014 by department investigators. He is currently being held on $80,000 bail at the Lynwood Detention Center.
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Media Notes:
- Booking Photo Available
- Total claim loss $163,532.46
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
