Workers Compensation Lawyer
When you get hurt on the job, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the severity of your injury, you could be out of work for a substantial amount of time. All the while your employer and the insurance company who is handling your claim may have to continue paying your wages and the medical treatment you’re receiving. Even if you have a valid injury claim, the workers’ compensation insurance company handling it may want to confirm that you are telling the truth. To do so, they may turn to surveillance tactics that may surprise you.
Things the Insurance Company Can Legally Do
Insurance companies spend enormous amounts of money on false claims each year, and as such, they may want to verify substantial claims. They have to right to engage in certain tactics, so long as they don’t cross personal boundaries. Some of the things insurance companies can do include:
- Watching your home and taking photographs and video of you outside
- Following you to and from medical appointments and taking video or pictures
- Speaking to neighbors and coworkers about your habits
- Sending surveillance to medical providers for evaluation
- Checking your social media activity
- Running background checks
Remember the insurance company is only looking out for themselves. If you have a legitimate claim, then their efforts will most likely be discontinued.
Things You Can Do
If you suspect that the insurance company is following you, but aren’t sure, you may want to start keeping a log of when and where you see someone. This is for a couple of reasons. First, you want to make sure that they are acting within the legal guidelines. Knowing where they are and what they’re doing can help do that. Second, if they aren’t associated with the workers’ compensation insurance company, then you may have another issue. If you are worried, don’t approach the person directly. Instead, call the authorities to confirm their identity for you.
Protect Yourself
Take the above steps to confirm that the person or persons following you are with the insurance company. You may want to have a look at your social media accounts and reset your privacy settings so investigators cannot gain access to all of your information. If you have a workers’ compensation attorney, contact the office and let them know that you are under surveillance. That way, they will know to ask for all surveillance reports.
If you’re dealing with a work injury, you may feel frustrated knowing that the insurance company is keeping tabs on you. Understanding the reason behind it and the temporary nature of the activity may help. If you don’t have a workers’ compensation attorney representing you, consider getting one.
Source: Workers Compensation Lawyer Harford, MD, Greenberg Law Offices