‘Malingerer’s’ £1.2m Fake Injury Claim Costs Him Over £100k

A claimant seeking over £1.2 million in compensation from insurer 1^st Central for injuries allegedly sustained in a minor road traffic accident has had his entire claim dismissed as fundamentally dishonest in a case managed by HF.

Mr Tatti claimed to have suffered psychological trauma, dizziness, tinnitus, and back pain following a low-speed collision on 6 August 2019. He was awarded £5,500 in damages, but his claim was dismissed under Section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

The case saw Mr Tatti pursue compensation for alleged lifelong injuries but was undermined by clear inconsistencies in his account, supported by expert evidence. Medical professionals, including 1^st Central’s psychiatric expert, found no evidence to support Mr Tatti’s claims of ongoing debilitating injuries. The psychiatric expert determined that Mr Tatti was malingering, exhibiting signs of exaggerating his symptoms.

Recorder Karl King, in his judgment, stated: “The claimant’s assertions regarding the severity and long-term impact of his injuries are not credible. His evidence was inconsistent and unreliable, and it is clear to me that the claimant exaggerated and feigned his symptoms in pursuit of substantial financial compensation.”

Despite presenting his case with confidence, Mr Tatti’s history of absence from work prior to the accident, along with his return to full-time employment and even a pay rise following the collision, cast doubt on the legitimacy of his claims. His continued insistence that his injuries were the result of the accident was deemed to be dishonest and opportunistic.

Mr Tatti is now responsible for 1^st Central’s legal costs of over £100,000.

The court’s decision sends a strong message about the consequences of attempting to manipulate the system for personal gain. “The claimant’s dishonesty went to the very root of his claim,” added Recorder King. “He has been found to have advanced his case fraudulently to secure compensation to which he was not entitled.”

1st Central’s Head of Claims Counter Fraud, Hann Narinsakchai, commented: “This outcome is a significant victory in the fight against fraudulent claims. We are committed to tackling dishonest claims head-on, and will continue to ensure that those attempting to exploit the system are held to account.”

Alex Wilkinson, Head of the Large Loss Counter Fraud Team at HF, added: “This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need to hold claimants accountable for fundamentally dishonest claims. Our team worked closely with 1st Central to expose the inconsistencies and contradictions in Mr Tatti’s story, ultimately ensuring that justice prevailed.”