What Is The Role Of Private Investigators In The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process?

Shortly after an injured employee files for workers’ compensation, the employer’s insurance company may choose to hire a private investigator in order to investigate the employee’s claims. This is typically done to confirm the extent of the employee’s injuries and to uncover any potential fraudulent claims. The overall goal of these investigations from the insurance company’s point of view involves finding evidence to ultimately reduce the amount of compensation that the insurance company has to pay. The following article will provide additional information about the typical role of private investigators in the workers’ compensation claim process.

What limits must private investigators adhere to?

Private investigators have great leverage to obtain evidence regarding the claims made by injured employees. For example, they are able to take pictures of you or even record you in public spaces and can also speak to your friends and neighbors about your injuries. However, private investigators are not allowed to engage in any illegal activities. This means that they cannot engage in the following:

1. Trespassing onto your private property
2. Entering your home without your consent
3. Hacking into your email or mobile phone
4. Putting a tracking device on your vehicle
5. Impersonating law enforcement officers

What are some red flags that private investigators typically look for?

Private investigators will often look out for particular red flags that might support the idea that your workers’ compensation claims are not legitimate or that the injuries are being exaggerated by the injured employee. Some of these red flags include the following:

1. There are no witnesses to the accident, or the only witnesses to the accident are the employee’s close coworkers.
2. The statements made by the employee and witnesses offer conflicting information.
3. The report of the injury is not timely.
4. The employee is doing activities that are outside of their work restrictions provided by their doctor
5. The employee cannot recall specific details about the accident.
6. The employee has a poor attendance record at work.
7. The employee has a history of disciplinary issues.
8. The accident occurs immediately before or after a vacation.
9. The employee is injured after receiving a disciplinary action, such as a demotion or termination.
10. The incident report and the medical evaluation offer conflicting information.
11. The employee refuses or delays treatment to diagnose the injury.
12. The employee frequently misses physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other medical appointments.
13. The employee is having financial difficulties.
14. The employee’s lifestyle is incompatible with his reported income.
15. The employee changes physicians frequently.

Do You Have Questions About The Workers’ Compensation Process? Speak To A Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have additional questions regarding the workers’ compensation process, Connolly Injury Law can help. Our Chicago workers’ compensation attorney are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about filing a personal injury lawsuit. Call our office at 312-780-0816 or use our online form to schedule an initial consultation appointment to speak with us.