Asked to Lie About How You Got Hurt? When “Helping Out” Your Employer Crosses the Line
If your boss or supervisor is telling you to lie about how you got hurt or not to report an on-the-job injury — maybe saying, “Just say it happened at home” — that’s not just bad advice. That’s asking you to commit insurance fraud.
It may sound like they’re just trying to “save paperwork” or “help you out,” but this kind of pressure is illegal and dangerous. Workers’ compensation exists to protect you when you get hurt doing your job. Lying about how your injury happened only protects the company — not you.
How the Lie About How You Got Hurt Becomes Insurance Fraud
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
If you’re injured at work but tell your doctor or insurer it happened at home, your private health insurance ends up paying for something that should’ve been covered by workers’ compensation.
That false statement — even if your employer pushed you into it — is considered insurance fraud under Pennsylvania law. And the person left legally responsible isn’t your employer … it’s you.
When the Ask to Lie About How You Got Hurt turns into Employer Retaliation for Reporting an Injury
Sometimes the pressure not to report an injury doesn’t stop at “just don’t say anything.” Employers may make workers feel threatened — suggesting they’ll lose their job, get fewer hours, or be treated differently if they file a workers’ compensation claim.
That’s called employer retaliation for reporting an injury, and it’s illegal. You have the right to report a workplace injury without fear of punishment or losing your job. Standing up for yourself isn’t “causing trouble” — it’s exercising your legal right.
Why You Should Never Lie About How You Got Hurt and Always Tell the Truth About a Work Injury
Being honest about how your injury happened is the only way to protect your benefits and your future.
If you go along with your employer’s request to lie, you could:
- Lose your workers’ compensation eligibility – Workers’ compensation only covers injuries that happened on the job or during the course of employment, so if you lie about where it occurred, you won’t be eligible for benefits under the law
- Be denied medical coverage for ongoing care – If you attempt to treat for the work-related injury after you’ve already lied about where it occurred, you will be responsible for the cost to treat the injury – not your employer
- Face potential fraud accusations- If your private insurance company picks up the bill for any of this care, and later finds out it was a work-related injury that you lied about – you could face an accusation of insurance fraud
- Miss out on lost-wage benefits you’re entitled to – If the injury becomes serious where you may need surgery and you have to be out of work for an extended period of time you may not have any source of income while you recover. Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, you are entitled to wage loss benefits for the entirety of the time you miss work due to the injury or illness.
The truth may feel uncomfortable in the moment — but it’s your safest, smartest path forward.
What to Do If You’re Being Pressured To Lie About How You Got Hurt or Retaliated Against
If your employer has pressured you to lie about a workplace injury or you suspect retaliation for reporting it, take action:
- Document everything. Keep notes, texts, and emails showing what was said and when.
- Get medical care. Tell your doctor clearly that the injury happened at work.
- Report the injury through the proper workers’ compensation channels.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney in Pennsylvania who can stand up for you and ensure your rights are protected.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
No worker should have to choose between keeping their job and telling the truth about an injury. If your employer pressured you to lie — or if you’re worried about employer retaliation for reporting an injury — you still have options.
YCL Law has been helping injured workers across Pennsylvania since 1961. We can help you protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve under the law. We understand how intimidating these situations can be, and we’re here to guide you through it every step of the way.
Contact one of our attorneys for a free and confidential consultation. Let’s make sure the truth — and your recovery — come first.