Media Advisory: July 15, 2010

Franklin Co. Business Owner Indicted for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Investigation alleges Paul Brockman fraudulently billed BWC for medical equipment

COLUMBUS – The owner of a Westerville (Franklin County) medical equipment supplier has been indicted on one count each of workers’ compensation fraud and theft, both fourth-degree felonies. An investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) special investigations department (SID) and Attorney General Richard Cordray alleges Paul D. Brockman, Jr., owner of Midwest Medical Equipment was billing BWC for medical equipment he failed to provide to an injured worker. If convicted, Brockman could face six to 18 months in prison.

“It is unfortunate when people abuse the system for financial gain, placing the health and well-being of injured workers in jeopardy,” said SID director Tom Wersell. “BWC is committed to getting injured workers the equipment they need as quickly as possible to support the healing process and will not tolerate fraudulent billing practices that hinder this assistance and place an unfair financial burden on Ohio employers.”

The SID opened its investigation after receiving a tip alleging Brockman billed BWC and received payment for wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories he did not provide to injured workers. The investigation alleges that Brockman de-frauded BWC for more than $9,100 for a wheelchair he claimed to have delivered. During the investigation, BWC agents learned that the wheelchair was never delivered.

Brockman subsequently admitted he fraudulently received payment for the wheelchair and also confessed to concealing from BWC the fact he provided the same injured worker with a powered wheelchair only a few years earlier through the Medicaid program. He concealed this fact in order to secure BWC approval for a new wheelchair.

To report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, visit ohiobwc.com, or call 1-800-OHIOBWC.

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