Complaint Review: Pennsylvania Manufacturers Insurance Group - Select State/Province

Seriously injuried in a work-related accident in Feb. 2011, PMA fought my claim for 3 months, then conceeded.  2 weeks later, PMA produced a medical history for the same injuries that were not mine, then sent them to a doctor they paid to deny my claim.  I hired a private investigator who found out that PMA had secured another person's record, in violation of federal HIPPA law, and altered the information to fit me.  PMA agent Linda Galacci-Rogers submitted it for an Independent Medical Exam in a workers' compensation case.  At a hearing before Workers' Compensation on Nov. 26, 2012, upon presentation of the evidence, the lawyer representing PMA Insurance Group, Ileen Ticer, admitted to using erroneous records to secure IME. Claimant (me) was Pro-Se and awarded partial back temporary total benefits.  Hearing was continued.

At the next hearing, April 2013, the attorney representing PMA, Jane Gerbes, again was challenged by documentation, using fraudulent medical documents belonging to another person, admitted to again using erroneous documents.  Claimant received partial permanent disability payment, based on evidence.  However, the sitting commissioner on the hearing was a personal friend of the employer, as records show.  

In the meantime, PMA has not paid for any medical treatment since May 31, 2011.  PMA only paid for physical therapy from Feb. through May.  They would not approve or pay for orthopedic evaluation or treatment or neurological evaluation, dispite my doctor's recommendations.   

Appealed to the Circuit Court of Harford County, Maryland for a judicial review, and passed on merits.  Case # 12-C-13-001214.  Hearing was held on January 6 and 7, 2014.  Claimant was Pro-Se.  At the hearing, it was discovered that claimant's medical records were withheld from PMA's IME doctor, Dr. Robert Riederman of Ortho-Md.  Upon testimony during trial, Dr. Riederman stated that he had no knowledge of Claimant's Independent Medical Exam or other medical documentation that I personally provided to PMA and to the MD Workers Compensation Commission.  This case was concluded on Jan. 7, 2014 and is awaiting a decision.

Claimant (me) filed a lawsuit against PMA for insurance fraud on March 28, 2014 in the Circuit Court for Harford County, MD, Case # 12-C-14-915 OC for $10,000,000 alleging and substantiating insurance fraud.  Case is pending.  If you are a Maryland worker, this company is bad news!!  They will do anything, including fraud, to prevent paying your claim!!  If you are an employer, and you have this company, you are still suseptible to liability, because of this company's practices and you can be sued!  Workers compensation law will not protect you.

In my opinion,  Workers Compensation Commission is a cash cow for everybody but the worker.  If you currently have a claim involving PMA Insurance or have previously settled a claim involving PMA Ins., with or without an attorney, feel free to contact me, as there are hundreds of documents to prove this company will do anything to keep from paying a claim.  to quote a phrase "This company will spend a hundred dollars to keep from paying one dollar".

Did you know that PMA Companies was purchased in June 2010 by one of the nation's largest publicly held insurance companies, Old Republic Insurance Companies, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange? Wow!  I sure hope my 401K isn't investing in them!

Again, I'm looking for anybody in any state that has dealt with PMA Companies and thinks they've suffered a loss due to erroneous documentation or the willful act of PMA employee, whether represented by an attorney or not, to feel free to contact me.  I will gladly forward you or your attorney my documentation absolutely free of charge.  Let's help each other get rid of these plagues that haunt the working person!  Good luck in your endevors.