Las Vegas Man Arrested For Workers’ Comp Insurance Fraud

Las Vegas resident Steve Barfield has been sentenced for workers’ compensation insurance fraud, in a claim worth $241,667, with an additional $286,974 reserved for future payments, according to Nevada Attorney General Brian Kunzi and Employers insurance company.

Barfield was sentenced to serve 12 to 32 months in Nevada state prison, stayed and placed on 36 months of formal probation, and directed to pay $6,432 in restitution to Employers.

According to Employers, Barfield was employed by Creel Printing and Publishing Co. Inc. in Las Vegas, and alleged suffered injuries to his back, arm and leg as a result of being struck by a large roll of paper. He was determined to be totally disabled and had received medical treatment and indemnity payments totaling $241,667, with an additional $286,974 reserved for future payments, the company said.

A review of the claim by Employers revealed that Barfield had been visited in his home on three occasions and each time he claimed he was wheelchair-bound, could only walk short distances, and could not drive or lift objects. Upon investigation, neighbors revealed they had never seen Barfield in a wheelchair, and surveillance video confirmed his ability to drive and walk unassisted, the company said.

Employers claims and fraud investigation departments collaborated with the Attorney General’s office to prosecute and convict Barfield for workers’ compensation fraud.

Source: AG, Employers