A 45 year old landscaper from Porter Ranch stands accused of multiple felony counts of workers’ compensation insurance fraud and perjury after a Department of Insurance investigation revealed that he continued to work while collecting over $50,000 in disability payments. Frank Simplico filed a claim in 2017, alleging an injury involving cumulative trauma to his back and neck, and that his job led to his diabetes, internal injuries, and sleep disturbances. He received over $32,000 in Temporary Total Disability payments between February and September of 2018, and almost $19,000 in Permanent Disability payments between Septemeber of 2018 and December of 2019. Simplico claimed to not have worked since his injury, but a subsequent investigation revealed surveillance showing him working as a landscaper, and bank records revealed checks from clients totaling over $450,000.
The losses for the insurance carriers in this case are estimated at over $100,000, including disability payments as well as costs for medical, investigative, and legal services.
Simplico’s case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.