Most employees and employers agree that the workers' compensation system offers a much-needed social safety net, particularly for low-wage workers who are employed in dangerous industries. However, in recent years, concern has grown over the possibility of abuse of the system and the prevalence of potentially fraudulent workers' compensation claims. Although it is difficult to determine how many workers' compensation claims are indeed fraudulent, many states have been compelled to eliminate the possibility of abuse and have imposed stricter penalties and punishments to dissuade dishonest employees from engaging in workers' compensation fraud. In most states, it is now a felony to submit knowingly fraudulent or falsified documentation in a workers' compensation case. The definitions used to classify fraudulent claims vary from state to state, including anything from fake injuries to reports that have been elaborated or embellished for effect. If you feel that your claim may be dismissed as fraudulent, you may benefit from the services of a skilled workers' compensation attorney.