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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Insurance provider accuses disabled employee of fraud

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BELLEVILLE — A workers compensation insurance provider is suing a disabled employee, alleging misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.

Commerce and Industry Insurance Company Inc. filed a lawsuit Aug. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Robert Lee of Caseyville, alleging violation of the Workers' Compensation Act.

According to the complaint, Commerce and Industry paid permanent total disability benefits to Lee on a weekly basis from December 2004 through Nov. 15, 2013. In October 2013, the suit says, the plaintiff contacted Lee to make sure he was "alive and well." 

During the call, the lawsuit states, Lee's girlfriend reported that Lee was not yet home from work and that he had been working since before 2011. During that period, the suit says, Commerce and Industry suffered monetary damages for paying the defendant's benefits totaling more than $200,000. 

The plaintiff alleges Lee fraudulently claimed for workers' compensation benefits and unlawfully received payments for disability benefits while he was gainfully employed.

Commerce and Industry Insurance seek a trial by jury, judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs of suit, attorney fees and all relief the court deems just and proper. He is represented by attorney David C. Berwin of Evans & Dixon LLC in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-403

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