Louisiana Warning Signs of Workers' Compensation Fraud are indicators that a business or individual may be trying to evade their legal responsibility to provide workers' compensation benefits. Louisiana’s Office of WorkersCompensationiOWOWNWC) has identified the following warning signs that may indicate potential fraud: 1. Misrepresentation of Employees: Employers may intentionally misclassify employees as independent contractors in order to avoid providing workers’ compensation coverage. 2. Misrepresentation of Injuries: Injured employees may attempt to receive benefits for injuries that didn’t occur at work or exaggerate the severity of their injuries. 3. Unauthorized Payments: Employers may make payments to injured employees outside the workers’ compensation system, without reporting the payments to the OWN. 4. False or Exaggerated Statements: Employees may make inaccurate statements or exaggerate facts to receive benefits. 5. Misuse of Benefits: Employees may use benefits for unauthorized purposes, such as personal expenses. 6. Unreported Accidents: Employers may fail to report workplace accidents or injuries to the OWN. 7. Unauthorized Medical Treatment: Employees may seek medical treatment from providers not authorized by the OWN. 8. Unauthorized Return to Work: Employees may return to work without authorization from the OWN.