A Derbyshire woman’s £100,000 personal injury claim has been struck out after a judge found she had lied about her injuries and attempted to deceive both the court and insurers. 

Jennifer Parker, from Swadlincote, had alleged she was left unable to work following a fall on a staircase while employed as a cleaner. She claimed to suffer from chronic pain that prevented her from carrying out basic daily tasks such as driving, vacuuming and using the washing machine. 

However, an investigation led by Allianz UK and legal partner DWF Law LLP uncovered evidence that Parker had in fact set up and operated a car valeting business shortly after the incident. She was seen carrying out strenuous manual work, including cleaning vehicles alone when her business partner was unwell. 

Online reviews for her company, Pride N Shine Mobile Valeting Service Limited, praised Parker and her partner for their dedication and physical efforts, directly contradicting her claims of being incapacitated. 

In addition to the fabricated injury claim, Parker was also found to have received over £10,600 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions during the period she claimed to be unable to work. 

Her solicitors withdrew from the case after the evidence was disclosed, and the court subsequently struck out her claim in its entirety. The ruling is expected to save Allianz over £150,000, and Parker has been ordered to pay legal costs totalling £17,976. 

Ben Fletcher, director of financial crime at Allianz UK, commented, “At Allianz, we pride ourselves on our robust approach to tackling fraud and protecting our customers’ interests. This case exemplifies the strength and dedication of our team, working tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure justice prevails.” 

William Stobart, associate at DWF Law LLP, added, “When confronted with her deception, Ms Parker attempted to come up with excuses to explain away the evidence. She attempted to conceal the extent of her deception but the court was not deceived. Allianz rightly has a zero tolerance to fraud and we were delighted to work in partnership with them to achieve this result.”