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[jen]

I know a company that builds cell phone towers for Verizon. Without thier contract with Verizon, their business will probably go under. A couple of years ago, Verizon warned them that if they had any more workers compensation injuries they would no longer be able to do business with them. Since that warning, the company prevents its workers from filing workers comp claims. They typically will pay for the emeregency room visit themselves, and often times the employee will pay the ER fee themselves, and the company will write them back a reimbursement check within a few days. The employees of course agree to this for fear they will lose thier job. Is this illegal? And if so, how would I go about reporting this company?

[iker]

Yes, of course this is illegal. Without knowing where you live it is impossible to say exactly who you would contact, but I would start with the state department of labor (or equivalent). Verizon also has a corporate compliance office and if you spend a couple minutes looking at their website I'm sure you can find a way to contact them.

[oakley]

It is not illegal for the company to pay costs directly. What IS illegal is if the company is not filing the proper OSHA accident reports. That is a separate issue from Worker's Compensation.