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AIBU?

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Original poster

FIL is scamming the council

21 replies

AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 15:18

I’m not putting too much detail but basically a couple of years ago FIL (drunk) tripped on an uneven pavement and fell in the town centre. He claimed compensation (pain in leg, nothing broken) and got it.

Now he’s done it again and is claiming again. Not drunk as far as I know but MIL has told us that he didn’t fall, he just thinks it’s an easy way of getting a couple of hundred quid. She’s also told us not to tell FIL we know.

I think I will because I don’t agree with what he’s doing. DH is sad about it all, he says his father is an alcoholic and he never used to be a thief.

OP posts:
NaomiNagata · 30/07/2018 15:21

Isn't the area covered by CCTV? All the town centres near me have CCTV aplenty! Surely they will check it before paying out?

mumsastudent · 30/07/2018 15:28

Insurance companies have records they will cross check with past incidences - one of two things could happen - either he will be "blackballed" & put on a dodgy list or if they can prove/find evidence he is lying he could be prosecuted. The irony is if he did really have any other insurance issue including issues with house contents this could invalidate proper claims. He will be found out - they do check especially if its the same thing.

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 15:41

Last time he had to have drs records but there was no cctv. This new claim is in a different area, I have no idea if there are cameras. I think there has to be evidence that a previous complaint has been made about the loose pavement though, or the council can say they didn’t know so not their fault. MIL was going on about this but I left the room (I was angry) so didn’t hear it all.

The ILs don’t have house contents insurance or even vehicle insurance because MIL doesn’t drive and FIL drives a company van.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 16:15

So I think I will tell him that he will be found out then...

OP posts:
Northernlass99 · 30/07/2018 16:19

Maybe remind him that its public money he is taking. ie money for the elderly and disabled care, for nice parks and libraries, for pot holes and rubbish bin collections. Bet he would be quick to complain if those things stopped happening.

2Brieornot2Brie · 30/07/2018 16:21

My sister tripped on an uneven pavement and had a complex fracture of her arm. She claimed compensation as she couldn’t work but had to provide all sorts of medical reports and see a council nominated doctor for an additional report. I can’t see the council just paying out because he said he’s hurt himself.

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 16:27

Northernlass He complains about that stuff anyway but I don’t think he has a community conscience. I think the deterrent will be that he’ll get caught, not that it’s wrong.

OP posts:
Bibesia · 30/07/2018 16:29

I think there has to be evidence that a previous complaint has been made about the loose pavement though, or the council can say they didn’t know so not their fault

Not necessarily. Councils have a duty to have a reasonable schedule of inspections and maintenance, though it depends on the level of unevenness. Generally speaking the uneven slab needs to be at least an inch above or below its neighbours. But PP are right, the council and its insurers are bound to check their records and there is a very good chance that they'll resist this claim.

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 16:40

Yes, he had to see a council medical person last time. I think he knew him. Not saying there is anything underhand with the council guy but FIL certainly had an easy time with his claim.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 16:43

Bibesia Right. I remember FIL saying at the time of his first claim that there had been complaints by other people.

OP posts:
NewYearNewMe18 · 30/07/2018 16:47

Our council doesn't have manned CCTV. They made all the security operatives redundant, handed the control of the cameras back to the police. Who might find time to look at something if it is warranted to be serious enough.

Serious: mugging
Non serious: someone tripping over

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 17:57

FIL is quite devious. I’m sure he would have thought about insurance companies contacting each other or looking into people’s histories. Maybe this is why he chose a different area?

OP posts:
Leesa65 · 30/07/2018 17:59

Sneaky pair of gits

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 18:36

Do you mean MIL and FIL Leesa or FIL and the Council guy?

I think FIL will get mad with MIL for not keeping her mouth shut when I say something though. And me, he’ll be very mad at me.

OP posts:
HildaZelda · 30/07/2018 18:47

He's not called Albert Gladstone Trotter is he?

Leesa65 · 30/07/2018 19:01

OP , I mean your FIL and MIL

HildaZelda Grin

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 19:05

HildaZelda You've lost me, is that to do with Only Fools and Horses?!

OP posts:
NewYearNewMe18 · 30/07/2018 19:05

She’s also told us not to tell FIL we know.

I think FIL will get mad with MIL for not keeping her mouth shut when I say something though.

Why would you break her confidence and shit stir in their marriage?

Original poster
AlphabetSoupcon · 30/07/2018 19:09

NewYearNewMe18 Seriously?!

For a start they are thieves and second, MIL already broke her confidence to FIL so who cares.

OP posts:
NewYearNewMe18 · 30/07/2018 19:11

DH is sad about it all

Awww and you'll cheer him right up with your big wooden spoon

Quite the virtue signaller.

HildaZelda · 30/07/2018 19:16

@AlphabetSoupcon, yes it's when Uncle Albert kept pulling a fast one by falling down holes and then suing.
He got caught in the end.

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