23-970. Misrepresentation of payroll, job description, job function or loss history affecting premium payment; violation; classification; penalty; statute of limitations; civil action

194 words·~1 min read·/az/title-23/23-970

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

A. It is unlawful for an employer to wilfully misrepresent to an insurance carrier the amount of payroll, the job description or job function of an employee, or the employer's loss history, on which the premium for workers' compensation insurance to be paid to the insurance carrier is based.

B. An employer that violates subsection A is guilty of a class 6 felony.

C. In addition to the punishment that may be imposed pursuant to subsection B, an employer that violates subsection A is liable for a penalty of up to three times the amount of the difference in premium paid and the amount the employer should have paid. The penalty shall be collected in a civil action by the insurance carrier, in addition to any other damages that are incurred by the insurance carrier due to the misrepresentation, including costs and attorney fees. The insurance carrier shall initiate the civil action within four years after the date the insurance carrier knew or with the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known of the misrepresentation.

The insurance carrier may initiate the civil action regardless of whether a criminal action is brought against the employer.