Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow injured workers and basically try to catch them in a lie. The investigators are gathering evidence that you aren’t really injured or that you are less injured than you say you are. They might snap a picture of you carrying something heavy when you have a claim for a back injury, or take a video of you playing sports despite a shoulder injury. Their goal is to use this evidence to cut off your benefits.
Surveillance isn’t used in every claim. For small injuries, it’s generally not worth the insurance company’s time, not to mention the expense of hiring a private investigator to follow you around. But if your claim is contested or your injury is going to cost the insurance company a lot of money, then be prepared for the possibility of surveillance.
Even if you are being honest about your injury, you can get in a situation where you’re hurting your claim. Follow your doctor’s orders and take care of yourself. We all do things when we’re injured that we shouldn’t do, simply because life is busy and it’s hard to stop doing things like lifting your kids or carrying stuff in from the car. Even these honest mistakes can end your benefits. It’s not worth the risk.
Sometimes we hear from people who are worried because the insurance company says they have them on video doing something against doctor’s orders or something that shows they aren’t really that injured. They swear they weren’t doing whatever the insurance company claims they were doing. Mistaken identity does happen, or maybe you don’t remember doing what they claim. Unfortunately, they aren’t required to hand over the tape, so sometimes the only way to settle the issue is to go to trial.
In addition to being careful and following your doctor’s restrictions, we always say that honesty is key. Be honest with your doctor and with your attorney. It will give you the best chance of success.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
