Rodriguez Admits Workers’ Comp Fraud

Texas Mutual Insurance Company reported that Enrique Rodriguez of Houston has pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation fraud-related charges.

The 390th District Court of Travis County sentenced Rodriguez to two years deferred probation and 100 hours of community service. The court also ordered Rodriguez to pay back the $1,600 in benefits he fraudulently obtained from Texas Mutual.

Rodriguez allegedly hurt his knee in an on-the-job injury in November 1999. His employer became suspicious after hearing conflicting descriptions of the alleged incident. A Texas Mutual investigation obtained surveillance video and medical records that aided the prosecution of Rodriguez.

The video showed Rodriquez working in his yard, carrying large landscaping timbers, and jumping in and out of the bed of his truck as he unloaded dirt from the truck. The medical records, along with information from his treating doctor, helped the prosecution prove that Rodriguez was feigning his disability.

The Rodriguez investigation was part of the Texas Mutual “Zero Tolerance for Fraud” policy. Texas Mutual maintains three teams of investigators permanently assigned to investigate every report of suspected fraud.

Latest Comments

• May 16, 2004 at 11:19 am

  Alex says:

  Immigrants refuse to learn english, follow safety measures, machismo mentality that prohibit using safety googles/helmets and large consumption of BEER so they come to work ha... read more
• April 28, 2004 at 10:31 am

  Ken Smith says:

  To comment on Ken's posting, we never want to go back to 'pre WC days as the costs would outweigh the benefits. Fault is not an issue in WC claims (strick liability) However, ... read more
• April 27, 2004 at 2:51 am

  Ken says:

  What further complicates the problem is that the insurer/self-insurer has to expend a substantial amount in investigative and legal $$$ to have even a fair chance of prevailin... read more