Mike Lewis Attorneys, A North Carolina Law Firm, Comments on New Workers’ Compensation Fraud Alert System

PR Web

Winston-Salem, N.C. (PRWEB) August 14, 2014

Mike Lewis Attorneys, a workers' compensation law firm in Winston-Salem, praises the North Carolina Industrial Commission's Noncompliant Employer Targeting System (NETS) for its ability to deter employer fraud and make North Carolina a safer state in which to work.

"Workers' compensation fraud is often discussed from the perspective of employees committing fraud. As an injured employee advocate, I am heartened to see that employer workers' compensation fraud is being recognized and addressed," said Mike Lewis, founding partner of Mike Lewis Attorneys.

On August 4, 2014, the North Carolina Industrial Commission (The Commission), the state agency tasked with administering the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act, released a press release revealing the use of a new workers' compensation fraud alert tool.

The tool is called the Noncompliant Employer Targeting System (NETS) and it "uses data from various state agencies" to compile lists of employers who may not be complying with their workers' compensation responsibilities. The NETS system works by assessing the claims of injured employees who have filed claims but who do not have active workers' compensation benefits.

The list allows The Commission to identify and prosecute employers who are not in compliance. Thus far, the tool has helped identify and criminally charge 5 businesses in the state, with 4 additional investigations pending.

"Employers who do not carry workers' compensation insurance are committing a criminal act and taking advantage of North Carolina's emergency health care system. Injured employees whose employers cannot provide medical attention are forced to use the state's emergency system," stated Lewis.

North Carolina's Workers' Compensation Act mandates that businesses with more than three employees must carry workers' compensation insurance or operate as "self-insured employers". Employers who violate this law are subject to criminal penalties and fines.

"Injured workers' who lack benefits and who cannot work often use state resources. There is a substantial financial cost to the state when employers fail to carry workers' compensation benefits. These costs should not be absorbed by tax paying residents," concluded Lewis.

To hear more about Mr. Lewis' thoughts on NETS or to learn more about the firm's workers' compensation attorneys, call 1-866-299-1739 or visit http://www.mikelewisattorneys.com/.

About Mike Lewis Attorneys
The personal injury lawyers at Mike Lewis Attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in auto injury claims, premises liability, dangerous drug litigation, and product liability claims. A well-respected name in personal injury law, Mike Lewis Attorneys is committed to helping individuals who have been injured by the actions of another in the state of North Carolina. For more information, or for a free and confidential case evaluation, visit mikelewisattorneys.com or call 866-299-1769 today.

Mike Lewis Attorneys
285 Executive Park Boulevard
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103
Toll Free: 866-299-1769
Winston-Salem: 866-299-1769
Fax: 866-299-1769

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