BEWARE OF THE FRAUD SQUAD DON’T TALK TO THE BWC SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
In Ohio, the FBI of workers’ compensation is called the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) Special Investigation Unit, which is also affectionately known as the Fraud Squad. They investigate tips and allegations that an injured Ohioan may be collecting workers’ compensation payments while working on the side. As most people know, it is illegal to collect weekly workers’compensation payments and work at the same time. If you work and collect benefits at the same time, (there are some exclusions such as wage loss and permanent partial disability), it is considered fraud, and it carries a wide range of unpleasant consequences. Obviously, there are occasions where the Fraud Squad acts commendably and recoups money that shouldn’t have been paid when someone claiming injury is clearly able to work. In theory, they even investigate employers who scam the system by underreporting payroll or characterizing employees as independent contractors when they are not. However, if the Fraud Squad can’t prove their case with their own investigation and collection of evidence, they’ll approach an injured worker directly.
Many people will talk to the Fraud Squad without a lawyer present because they are asked,“Why would you need a lawyer if you don’t have anything to hide?”
I’ve represented many clients who have been accused of fraud after they received workers compensation payments. Some of these cases have been laughed out of the hearing room but, no matter the outcome, the Fraud Squad makes every one of these clients’lives miserable. It is important for any individual receiving workers’compensation to recognize one thing: Activity you don’t consider“work”may qualify as work under Ohio law. The Fraud Squad will come after you if they think you may have received any income while getting workers’compensation payments, and for heaven’s sake, do not talk to them without a lawyer present, even if you think you have nothing to hide. Fraud recovery looks good for the BWC and makes great for PR. Once you agree to talk to the BWC, they will do everything they can to make a case out of the information you tell them. When approached, do one thing — shut your pie hole!
SUDOKU
ABBY’S APPETIZERS LEFTOVER TURKEY RAMEN Recipe inspired by TheWoksOfLife.com.
INGREDIENTS
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4 eggs
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1 leftover turkey carcass
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4 ounces bacon
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6 scallions, divided
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4 portions fresh, not instant, ramen noodles
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8 slices ginger
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6 dried shiitake mushrooms
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2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
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16 cups water
DIRECTIONS
3.
Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop, and set aside. Chop remaining scallions. Once the broth is done simmering, prepare the fresh noodles according to package directions. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and cover with broth. Add shredded turkey, chopped scallions, chopped bacon, and an egg to each bowl.
1.
Remove most of the meat from the turkey carcass, shred, and set aside. Put carcass in a large stockpot, along with 3 scallions, ginger, mushrooms, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove pot from heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool.
4.
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