State Insurance Fraud Attorney Columbia SC
Protect your rights. Preserve your freedom. Contact Columbia defense lawyer Matt Bodman.
Have you been accused of stealing money from an insurance company or filing a fraudulent insurance claim? Such charges can have serious consequences if you're found guilty of insurance fraud in South Carolina.
If you have been charged with insurance fraud or you believe you are under investigation, you will likely be involved in a complicated legal battle with significant consequences if you are convicted. Don't try to tackle your case on your own. Level the playing field. Contact us immediately.
Attorney Matt Bodman understands the seriousness of such criminal charges. A former assistant state prosecutor, he spent five years working for the state on a broad range of complicated cases. He now uses that knowledge to defend fight for the rights of clients on various state criminal defense cases, including insurance fraud.
What is insurance fraud?
Insurance fraud often involves someone filing a false insurance claim or filing a claim for more money than an actual insurance claim. An estimated 10 percent of all auto, home and business insurance claims are either fraudulent or inflated, according to South Carolina's Attorney General's office, which investigates insurance fraud.
According to the state's Attorney General's website, insurance fraud results in $85 billion a year in fraudulent insurance charges. The website adds that "1 in 3 Americans believe it is 'all right' to pad claims to make up for premiums paid in previous years when they had no claims."
What are examples of insurance fraud?
Examples of insurance fraud:
- Drivers accused of exaggerating an injury in order to receive a large settlement
- Drivers accused of underreporting the number of miles driven on an insurance policy
- Drivers accused of failing to report their accurate medical history when applying for health insurance
- Employees accused of exaggerating an injury in order to collect workers' compensation
- People accused of exaggerating the amount of stolen items
What is the penalty for insurance fraud?
If you are convicted of insurance fraud in South Carolina, the penalties vary depending on the amount of money involved and whether it was your first or subsequent conviction for insurance fraud. The penalties are:
First Offense
- Less than $1,000 - Misdemeanor, $100 to $500 fine, up to 30 days in prison
- $1,000 to $10,000 - Misdemeanor, $2,000 to $10,00 fine, up to 3 years in prison
- $10,000 or $50,000- Felony, $10,000 to $50,00 fine, up to 5 years in prison
- $50,000 or more- Felony, $20,000 to $100,00 fine, up to 10 years in prison
Second Offense (Or Subsequent Offenses)
- All amounts - Felony, $20,000 to $100,00 fine, up to 10 years in prison
Why should I hire attorney Bodman to handle my case?
The people working for insurance companies usually have years of experience and know what evidence to look for and what questions to ask.
Matt Bodman has the same in-depth knowledge and has a comprehensive understanding of South Carolina's legal system. An attorney with a proven track record of success, he worked for the state and knows the tactics insurance companies use to try to win cases.
The implications of an insurance fraud conviction can be very serious. Not only could you be fined thousands of dollars and sentenced to prison, but your reputation and your livelihood could be on the line. Don't put your future in jeopardy. Take action now. Contact attorney Bodman. Call (866) 487-9077. Free consultation available. Your needs come first here.
