Medical Clinic Employees Arrested for PIP Insurance Fraud

On Tuesday, three employees of a Tampa medical clinic were arrested on insurance fraud for their alleged involvement in Florida personal injury protection (PIP) scheme. According to investigators from the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud, the three employees from the CPS Medical Clinic solicited a confidential source to file fraudulent claims for services which were never provided. Further, their arrests come days before the Florida legislature is schedule to adjourn and in currently in the process of possibly passing PIP reform regulations.

Governor Rick Scott earlier stated that PIP fraud was a top priority during this year's 60-day legislative session. One of the key issues to be decided before Friday’s adjournment include the time frame in which Florida motorvehicle accident injured parties are to seek medical treatment to be eligible for PIP insurance coverage. Under the Senate’s proposal, injured parties would have 14 days, but House members want a seven-day time limit. Nevertheless, when PIP insurance fraud similar to Tuesday’s arrest; it becomes more costly for Floridians who have to pay higher premiums due to the wrongdoing of others.

PIP insurance coverage in Florida is based upon the no-fault system. This means that if you or a member of your family becomes seriously injured during a motor vehicle accident, you could possibly recover damages for your injuries under the PIP system. The types of damages that are ordinarily recoverable in PIP cases are compensatory damages such as medical expenses, regardless of fault. Also, under the state’s PIP system, all drivers are required to carry the minimum insurance benefits of $10,000, and $10,000 property damage coverage to pay for vehicle repairs. If a driver does not possess the mandated insurance, he or she could face other administrative civil consequences, such as the loss of their driver’s license.

If you have been hurt during an automobile accident, you should consult with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to discuss the type of damages which you could possibly recover in a lawsuit. Any attempt to seek monetary compensation from a person who has caused an accident and injured another party can become quite complicated. Also, it is possible that an insurance company could offer you a settlement in order to prevent going to trial. Nonetheless, prior to entering into a settlement agreement it is advisable to consult with an attorney to learn all of the legal alternatives which may be available to you.

Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys are here to answer clients’ questions regarding PIP insurance because policies are difficult to understand. For example, some people do not understand that under the law, it is a requirement that the policy must pay 80 percent of all the reasonable necessary medical expenses of an injured person. This could include rehabilitative expenses, surgical, dental or x-ray services. Also, under the Florida’s no-fault system, if you are injured and become unable to work, you could receive 60 percent of your lost earnings, depending on your policy coverage. If you or a loved one has been recently involved in an accident and have been hurt, or worst a family member died in a car crash, contact our office today to consult with an attorney.

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