Dallas Attorney for Insurance Fraud

Experienced Dallas Attorney for Insurance Fraud Cases

Insurance companies are an important part of our economy. They serve to guard individuals and companies alike against unexpected financial expenses. When a party uses insurance to instead make a financial gain rather than to prevent a financial loss, there is a chance that this conduct will be viewed as insurance fraud. In some cases, people are wrongfully suspected of insurance fraud after attempting to file a genuine claim that may appear somewhat unusual. Insurance fraud is often charged as a federal offense due to the national presence of an insurance provider, and it may be a felony even when it is charged at the state level.

If you have been accused of insurance fraud or believe that you are being investigated for it, it is important to contact an attorney right away. An insurance fraud charge can put your future in jeopardy. Cases involving fraud often lead to prolonged prison sentences, and they can also lead to the loss of your professional license or job. There are steps an attorney can begin taking to protect you right away. While facing this type of serious criminal charge can be frightening, it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. You have the right to have an attorney defend you.

What Is Insurance Fraud?

Generally, this offense involves falsely claiming that a loss covered by an insurance policy has occurred when it has not, or it may involve manufacturing such a loss artificially. For example, falsely claiming that your car was stolen in order to cash out an insurance policy is likely a form of insurance fraud. Likewise, intentionally setting fire to your failing business in order to collect the insurance payout is likely another form of insurance fraud, in addition to other offenses. Assets are sometimes hidden this way as part of a bankruptcy fraud scheme.

Exaggerating the extent of a covered loss can lead to insurance fraud charges. For example, if you genuinely had a house fire but exaggerated the value of property inside, this may be considered insurance fraud.

In Texas, even presenting a "misleading" insurance claim with intent to defraud an insurer is enough to open one up to prosecution. The level of offense is linked to the amount of money allegedly sought from the insurer, with most offenses reaching the felony level. Charges may be enhanced - treated more seriously - under certain circumstances.

Common Types of Insurance Fraud Schemes

Insurance fraud schemes may also be committed by an alleged insurer or a healthcare provider who accepts insurance. More sophisticated schemes may include:

• Health insurance fraud - A healthcare provider may overbill a patient's insurance for services that were never rendered or equipment that was never used. Healthcare providers may embezzle these insurance overpayments.
• Unlicensed insurance sales - Unlicensed insurance companies rarely have the money required to pay out a claim, but they may still sell policies that are essentially valueless.
• Life insurance fraud - Seniors or their family members may falsely claim that a person has died in order to cash in a life insurance policy, or a person may lie about their health status on an application for life insurance.

These forms of insurance fraud are often taken particularly seriously. If you believe you are suspected of any of these offenses, it is important that you do not wait to contact an attorney.

Contact a Dallas Area Insurance Fraud Lawyer

Spencer & Associates is experienced in defending those who have been accused of insurance fraud. Our skilled team will do all we can to minimize the impact of your charges, whether that means pursuing acquittal at trial or negotiating a plea bargain that substantially reduces your charges. To begin with a complimentary consultation, please contact us at 214-385-8500.