Merced nutrition assistant arraigned for insurance fraud in workers’ compensation scheme
News: 2021 Press Release
MERCED, Calif. — Kia Lor, 54, of Merced, was arraigned today on four counts of insurance fraud after an investigation by the Department of Insurance found that she allegedly lied about the extent of prior injuries in an attempt to receive nearly $7,000 in undeserved workers’ compensation payments.
On October 5, 2018, Lor, a former Nutrition Assistant at the Merced Community Action Agency, injured her lower back while lifting a cooler at a company picnic. During the course of treatment, Lor denied any prior injuries to her lower back when completing paperwork and while talking with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the Qualified Medical Examiner.
However, during the course of the investigation, it was found that Lor had submitted multiple motor vehicle accident claims between 1999 and 2016 where she suffered injuries to her back. Additionally, she filed a workers’ compensation claim in 2008 reporting a back injury.
Lor’s misrepresentations about the extent of her prior injuries could have resulted in her being paid $6,960 for permanent disability, but the investigation prevented the payment.
Lor was arraigned at the Merced County Superior Court. This case is being prosecuted by the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
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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.
