Fla. Construction Company Owner Charged in Workers’ Comp Fraud Case

The owner of an Indian Harbor, Florida construction company has been charged with workers’ compensation fraud after jeopardizing the coverage of at least one employee, according to investigators with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud.

Investigators say Carl T. Nicks, 42, of 1891 State Road AIA #201 in Indian Harbor, submitted falsified workers’ comp insurance certificates to at least two general contractors in order to secure a contract for services. On at least one job site, an employee of Nicks was injured and did not receive benefits until the general contractor’s workers’ comp carrier paid more than $30,000 in medical payments and attorney’s fees.

Nicks, owner of A1A Restoration and Construction Inc., was charged with four counts of workers’ comp fraud. He was booked into the Brevard County Jail, with bond set at $4,000. If convicted on all charges, Nicks faces up to 20 years in prison.

Nicks was previously arrested on similar charges in December 2003. This case is currently pending trial.

Under Florida law, employers in construction-related industries, who have one or more employees, must maintain workers’ comp coverage for their employees.