looking for work after comp case has ended

after five years, my comp case was settled and i now need to work again. my question is - what do i tell perspective employers about the five year gap on my resume? i've been told you can't tell future employers that you were out on comp, so what do i say? i'm sick to death of lying about it and am afraid i will be caught. though my case took place in california, i am currently living in colorado. any help you can give me would be most appreciated.