We are well aware of the importance of surveillance in the claims process, the benefits of indisputable evidence, and the ability to truly capture the physical capabilities of claimants. As such in the case of a Santa Ana, CA police officer, who is now facing four felony charges in connection to worker’s compensation fraud, according to Insurancefraud.org.
39-year-old Jonathon Ridge was injured in a motor vehicle accident on October 5th, 2017 while on duty pursuing a suspect in a stolen vehicle, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Ridge immediately went out on leave and later had left wrist surgery.
A doctor eventually cleared Ridge to return to work with restrictions in November 2018, however the restrictions were unable to be accommodated and Ridge stayed out of work while receiving full pay.
An investigation ensued after 18 months out of work with no report of improvement after surgery and surveillance was initiated. According to the District Attorney’s Office statement, “Along with attending college classes nearly full time, Ridge was also seen packing up his car and driving to Utah, going to the beach and driving his motorcycle,” all of which was “well beyond what the doctor had imposed.”
Ridge is currently on administrative leave, charges include making fraudulent insurance benefit claims and a fraudulent statement to obtain compensation, according to court records, and he faces up to eight years in state prison if convicted.