March 5, 2021 - MERCED, Calif. — Kia Lor, 54, of Merced, was arraigned on Thursday on four counts of insurance fraud after an investigation by the Department of Insurance found that she allegedly lied about the extent of prior injuries in an attempt to receive nearly $7,000 in undeserved workers’ compensation payments.

On October 5, 2018, Lor, a former Nutrition Assistant at the Merced Community Action Agency, injured her lower back while lifting a cooler at a company picnic. During the course of treatment, Lor denied any prior injuries to her lower back when completing paperwork and while talking with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the Qualified Medical Examiner.

However, during the course of the investigation, it was found that Lor had submitted multiple motor vehicle accident claims between 1999 and 2016 where she suffered injuries to her back. Additionally, she filed a workers’ compensation claim in 2008 reporting a back injury.

Lor’s misrepresentations about the extent of her prior injuries could have resulted in her being paid $6,960 for permanent disability, but the investigation prevented the payment.  

Lor was arraigned at the Merced County Superior Court. This case is being prosecuted by the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
Source: CA. Dept. of Insurance