Las Vegas man pleads guilty to workers’ compensation fraud

A former Dunkin’ Donuts employee has pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation fraud, according to a news release from the Nevada Attorney General’s office.

Las Vegas resident Joseph Bricker, 49, pleaded guilty to a category “D” felony for his part in falsely obtaining workers’ compensation benefits from March 18, 2013 to May 2, 2014.

Bricker filed for compensation after he claimed he suffered a major back injury during his employment at a Dunkin’ Donuts shop. He claimed to have a permanent, partial disability and received medical treatment and benefits worth more than $150,000, the release said.

The Hartford insurance company discovered Bricker failed to disclose a prior work-related back injury and denied any pre-existing conditions multiple times.

Bricker’s fraudulent activity was uncovered following the receipt of his final payment of benefits and closure of the claim, the release said.

Further investigation showed that the 49-year-old later operated a handyman business and took part in activities outside of the physical restrictions his doctor placed on him. This demonstrated that Bricker exaggerated his physical limitations to receive benefits.

“Workers’ compensation fraud drives up the cost of coverage, leaving employers and taxpayers to foot the bill,” Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt said in the release.

Bricker is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6.

Workers’ compensation fraud is punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Contact reporter Cassandra Taloma at ctaloma@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraTaloma.