Fort Lauderdale Insurance Fraud Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Insurance Fraud Attorney

Insurance fraud is a serious accusation and charge to face. You may have thought it would never happen to you, but people are falsely accused of fraud more often than you might think. If you are facing insurance fraud charges, do not hesitate to contact a reputable Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm to handle your case.

When you hire a Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes lawyer, you need someone who can help you understand complex insurance fraud laws and apply the law to your unique situation. With insurance fraud, there are many different types you may be facing. Working with an experienced lawyer can help you navigate which steps to take next during a complicated time.

Hire an Insurance Fraud Lawyer

When you hire an insurance fraud lawyer at our firm to handle your insurance fraud case, you are not just hiring any Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes lawyer. Instead, you are hiring someone who can stand up for you in the courtroom, working hard to reduce or dismiss charges so you are not wrongfully convicted.

You should hire a Fort Lauderdale white collar crimes lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm to help you understand complicated insurance fraud laws and protect your rights while building a strong defense. Even if you are unfamiliar with the local Broward County Clerk of Courts, where most criminal cases take place, our experienced legal team can guide you every step of the way.

At The Kirlew Law Firm, we understand fraud charges. With a broad perspective on all areas of criminal law, our firm can help you avoid charges that come with serious and long-lasting consequences, including possible jail or prison time, heavy fines, loss of future employment opportunities, and a damaged reputation.

Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud is a crime involving the intentional deception of an insurance company to gain improper financial benefits, punishable as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the scheme’s value and nature. Insurance fraud is a serious offense, costing the United States $308.6 billion annually.

Common types of insurance fraud include:

• Auto insurance fraud, such as staged accidents
• Homeowner’s insurance fraud, such as exaggerated or fake damage claims
• Health insurance fraud, such as billing for services never rendered
• Workers’ compensation fraud, such as exaggerated or fake damage claims

While insurance fraud involves deceiving insurance companies, securities fraud typically involves misleading investors or manipulating financial markets for illegal gains. Due to the significant impact of these crimes on rising insurance premiums for all residents, Florida has intensified efforts against them. As a result, prosecutors are likely to push for harsh penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. The outcome of your case also depends on what kind of charges you are facing.

Insurance Fraud as a Federal Offense

Working with a Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud lawyer is particularly helpful if you are facing federal insurance fraud charges. Although insurance fraud is not always classified as a federal offense, in some cases, it may be, according to the Federal Insurance Fraud Statute (18 U.S.C. Section 1033). In general, federal insurance fraud charges are more complex.

Based on the Federal Insurance Fraud Statute, anyone involved in the business of insurance fraud is guilty of a federal offense if they are also engaged in interstate commerce. A key factor in a fraud case being classified as a federal offense is whether interstate commerce is involved. If not, the case is likely to be tried by the state in which the fraud was committed, including in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Insurance Fraud Penalties

In Florida, insurance fraud is treated as a felony rather than a misdemeanor, with penalties for fraud based on the value of the fraud and the type of insurance. While some fraud, such as small-scale organized schemes under $300, can be a first-degree misdemeanor, most insurance fraud is prosecuted as a third-degree felony or higher. A Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud attorney can help you understand the different charges and penalties.

For felony charges, penalties can range from five to 30 years in prison. Key penalties include up to five years for less than $20,000, up to 15 years in prison for $20,000-$100,000, and up to 30 years for more than $100,000, plus hefty fines, restitution, and license revocation. These penalties apply to various forms of fraud. Intent to defraud is a necessary component for conviction, much like in other financial crimes where proving intent plays a central role in defending insider trading charges. Intent to defraud is a necessary component for conviction, much like in other financial crimes where proving intent plays a central role in defending insider trading charges.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Insurance Fraud Under Florida Law?

According to Florida Statute § 817.234, insurance fraud is defined as knowingly presenting false, incomplete, or misleading information, or staging incidents, such as arson or auto accidents, with the intent to defraud an insurer for claims or benefits. It is a serious, often felony-level, crime covering auto, home, life, and health policies.

When Should I Contact a Fort Lauderdale Insurance Fraud Lawyer?

You should contact a Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud attorney immediately if suspected, indicted for a white-collar crime, or suspect your claim is being falsely accused of fraud. You should also seek legal counsel if your claim is denied, delayed, or if you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith to avoid paying full value.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Insurance Fraud False Accusations?

Protecting yourself against insurance fraud accusations requires meticulous documentation, immediate reporting of the incident, and engaging legal counsel early. Key strategies include taking photos and videos of accidents, getting police reports, keeping detailed records of all communications, avoiding hasty statements to insurance companies, and checking that no false information is submitted, even unintentionally.

How Can a Fort Lauderdale Insurance Fraud Lawyer Help Defend Against Fraud Allegations?

A Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud lawyer helps defend against fraud allegations by developing comprehensive defense strategies, analyzing evidence such as contracts and emails, and challenging the intent to defraud. They also protect clients during investigations while combating false, misrepresented, or coerced claims and litigating cases involving false claims or exaggerated damages.

Fort Lauderdale Insurance Fraud Lawyer

When you need a Fort Lauderdale insurance fraud lawyer to help you navigate complex laws and to handle your insurance fraud case, The Kirlew Law Firm has the skills and experience to guide you toward the most favorable solutions. If you are facing insurance fraud charges, you do not have to do it alone. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.