Pierce County Roofer Accused In Workers' Comp Scam

OLYMPIA, WA — A Lakewood roofing contractor is scheduled to be arraigned next week on charges that he fraudulently collected more than $54,000 in workers' compensation benefits between 2014 and 2021.

According to Labor & Industries, Patrick Farthing, 63, suffered a shoulder injury in 2010 that was deemed severe enough that he could no longer work as a roofer.

Years later, investigators acting on a tip observed him working as normal, including moving heavy materials. Investigators said Farthing was also working as an unregistered contractor, who sometimes used the alias Adam Lay, under a company named Pat Farthing Roofing.

L&I said investigators photographed Farthing removing and installing roofs, directing crews and moving materials between job sites.

“When we hear about fraud, we investigate,” said Celeste Monahan, assistant director for L&I’s Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards division. “Cheaters seem to think that stealing workers’ comp benefits doesn’t hurt anyone. But it’s taking money from legitimately injured workers, and everyone whose hard-earned dollars support the workers’ compensation system.”

The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Bob Ferguson's office.